Ahead of polls, Netanyahu posts AI image of nuke blast over Tel Aviv

Benjamin Netanyahu posted an AI-generated image of a nuclear explosion over Tel Aviv before Israel's election. Opposition leaders accused him of using fear over Iran's nuclear ambitions to influence voters.Netanyahu's post drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who accused him of using fear to influence voters ahead of the election. (Credits: X/Benjamin Netanyahu)Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has triggered a political row after posting an AI-generated image of a nuclear explosion over Tel Aviv just two days before the country's elections.Warning of an “existential threat” from Iran, Netanyahu said Israel must use the remaining two years of US President Donald Trump's term to address the threat, drawing sharp criticism from opposition leaders.The image showed a massive mushroom cloud rising over a densely populated city, with an explosion engulfing several buildings.Netanyahu shared the image alongside a statement by Israeli writer and political commentator Yuval Blumberg, which called for Israel to prioritise efforts against Iran's nuclear ambitions. “The State of Israel is in real and tangible existential danger. If the Iranians acquire nuclear weapons, nothing will ever be the same again,” the statement read. : . , . . : . . , , , . . , . , , , , . . , ? . . . . , , . , , , , , .— Benjamin Netanyahu - (@netanyahu) October 25, 2026It argued that Israel had a limited window to address the threat, adding that the next two years of Trump's presidency should be used to complete the necessary measures to safeguard the country's future. “We have another two years of Trump to finish the work in Iran,” the post said, referring to the remaining period of Trump's term. It also warned that a future US administration could take a different approach.OPPOSITION LEADERS CRITICISE NETANYAHUNetanyahu's post drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who accused him of using fear to influence voters ahead of the election.Democrats chairman Yair Golan questioned the prime minister's decision to publish the image.“The prime minister of Israel published an image of an atomic bomb over Tel Aviv. I ask that he be kept away from social media. The man and those around him have lost it. The pressure is mounting,” Golan said.Yashar chairman Gadi Eisenkot also criticised the post, accusing Netanyahu of resorting to fearmongering during the election campaign.“Another fearmongering video from Netanyahu. You are hysterical. As in every election campaign, once again the same method of lies and fearmongering,” Eisenkot wrote.ISRAEL HEADS TO POLLSIsrael is scheduled to vote on Tuesday. The country uses a nationwide proportional representation system to elect members of its 120-seat parliament, the Knesset.A party or coalition needs the support of at least 61 lawmakers to secure a parliamentary majority. Netanyahu's comments on Iran and the country's security have emerged as a point of political contention in the run-up to the election.- Ends