Netanyahu Congratulates Sinwar in Video Call.. Clip Shakes Israel

Former Israeli Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot published a "non-real" video clip showing Prime Minister and electoral rival Benjamin Netanyahu speaking on the phone with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and congratulating him.

The release of the clip, which caused a stir in Israel, came amid fierce competition between Eisenkot and Netanyahu just days before the anticipated parliamentary elections.

The Central Elections Committee issued an order to Eisenkot's "Yashar" party requiring them to indicate that the video is not real or to remove it.

The decision was made in response to a request filed by Netanyahu's "Likud" party under election laws regarding propaganda methods.

A hearing on the matter is still ongoing.

In a provisional ruling, the Central Elections Committee stated that a disclaimer must be attached indicating the use of digital means to create or modify the clip, or else the clip must be removed.

The clip shows Netanyahu speaking on the phone with Sinwar, who planned the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, and offering him congratulations.

The video ends with text appearing on screen as Netanyahu covers his eyes, stating: "Netanyahu, you received warnings but did not prevent the attack," referring to reports claiming Netanyahu received warnings about an imminent attack prior to October 7 but took no action.

Netanyahu strongly denies the validity of these reports.

It should be noted that the Israeli army killed Sinwar in Gaza in October 2024, approximately one year after the start of the war on the sector.