Internal correspondence revealed: Criticism in Religious Zionism over AI video that sparked controversy
Internal correspondence of members of the Religious Zionism party center, revealed on Walla, exposes criticism of the party's election video created using AI, which depicted legal figures being dragged through burning streets. Alongside support for the party's plan for changes in the legal system, criticism was voiced over the video's nature and the potential damage to the party in the elections. Critics called for focusing on attracting undecided voters from the left-wing bloc and warned against 'friendly fire' regarding Itamar Ben Gvir.
Internal correspondence of members of the Religious Zionism party center, revealed today (Friday) on Walla, exposes sharp criticism of the party's election video that sparked controversy this week. The video, created using artificial intelligence, depicted Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara being dragged by police officers through burning streets, and was published as part of the launch of the party's plan for changes in the legal system. The correspondence shows that alongside support for the plan, criticism was voiced over the video's nature. 'We need to be focused on the goal, and it is only one!' wrote one participant, warning that the video does 'exactly the opposite' of attracting undecided voters. Another participant called for assembling a 'mature and responsible' team to approve any publication. Additional criticism concerned the attitude toward Otzma Yehudit chairman Itamar Ben Gvir: 'We have no goal of bringing down Ben Gvir, that's friendly fire.' Another participant distinguished between the plan and the video: 'The reform plan is excellent, the accompanying video is more harmful.' The internal criticism joins public reservations by candidate Itamar Itam, who said he did not like the video. This is set against a broad political storm that included condemnations from President Isaac Herzog, Gadi Eisenkot, Yair Golan, and Naftali Bennett.