Likud Threatens to Petition Against Bennett: 'He Used a Baby for Election Propaganda'

The Likud party sent a warning letter to former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and his party, demanding the removal of an Instagram video in which he holds a baby, alleging illegal use of a child in election propaganda. The letter claims a violation of Section 2G of the Elections Law and raises concerns of abuse of a minor. Bennett is required to remove the video by Sunday, otherwise an urgent petition will be filed with the chairman of the Central Elections Committee.

The Likud movement sent a warning letter today (Friday) to former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and his party "Together - Under Bennett's Leadership," demanding the removal of a video he posted on his Instagram account in which he is seen holding a baby. The letter, sent via attorney Ilan Bombach, claims that the baby's appearance in the video constitutes illegal use of a child for election propaganda, contrary to the law. The video shows Bennett meeting passersby in an open area, during which he holds a baby named Liam and repeats his name. Likud claims the baby is "the central and prominent component of the propaganda message." It further alleges that the publication violates Section 2G of the Elections Law (Methods of Propaganda), which prohibits involving children under 15, and that it is unclear whether the parents consented to the use of the child's image. Likud also claims that the way the baby is presented raises "concern of abuse of a minor and a helpless person." Bennett is required to remove the video by Sunday, and if he fails to do so, an urgent petition will be filed with the chairman of the Central Elections Committee.