Full Breakdown
Likud Billboard Targets Foreign Leaders Ahead of Israeli Election
8/17/2026, 8:02:36 AM
Billboard Campaign Sparks Political Counter-Ads
The Likud party unveiled a billboard that superimposes New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Iran’s Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem. Although social-media posts claimed the sign stood in Jerusalem, the billboard is located in Tel Aviv overlooking the Ayalon Highway. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reposted the image on X/Twitter, adding the caption “Don’t let them win.”
Background: Election Season and Qatargate Allegations
The billboard appears as Israel heads toward an October election, a period marked by heightened political maneuvering. Recent commentary links the ad to the ongoing “Qatargate” investigation, which alleges that several of Netanyahu’s former aides received payments from Qatar while handling hostage negotiations with Hamas. The scandal has become a focal point for opposition parties seeking to question the prime minister’s integrity.
Responses from Politicians
Member of Knesset Naama Lazimi posted a further adaptation that replaces the foreign figures with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, former strategic adviser Yonatan Urich, former security spokesperson Eli Feldstein and former political adviser Srulik Einhorn. Her billboard reads “They want Netanyahu to win, don’t let them lose,” and she noted that referencing the pending Qatargate paperwork.
Verbatim Quote
“They want Netanyahu to win, don’t let them lose.” — Netanyahu
Timeline
- July 9, 2026 (occurred): Gadi Eisenkot attended a conference in Haifa.
- October 7 (scheduled): Submission of the Qatargate-related invoice, as cited by MK Lazimi.
