Full Breakdown
Netanyahu Publishes Phone Number Ahead of Election Campaign
8/26/2026, 1:00:19 AM
Phone-Number Stunt Generates Immediate Flood of Contacts
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a number he described as personal on Sunday and urged Israelis to send their questions and problems. Within minutes the WhatsApp account linked to the line was blocked, callers received a busy signal, and his adviser Topaz Luk redirected users to Telegram. The rapid overload was noted by the campaign team, which said it was working to restore the service.
Prior Direct-Voter Outreach
Netanyahu has used a similar tactic before. In August 2022, two months before that election, he released another number and invited video calls, declaring, “Why should only some people have my phone number? Everyone should have it.” At the time, Likud reported 9,420 calls in the first 30 minutes, and rivals mocked the move as a publicity stunt.
Response Volume and Electoral Context
The current episode coincides with a tight reelection race. A Channel 13 poll released earlier this month placed Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party at 23 seats, ahead of Likud’s 21, and projected Netanyahu’s coalition to win 49 of 120 Knesset seats. The same poll showed Eisenkot leading Netanyahu 47 % to 34 % when asked who was better suited to serve as prime minister, while roughly 20 % of voters remain undecided.
Official Remarks and Party Position
Netanyahu emphasized his intent to hear directly from citizens:
- “I want to hear from you. Your suggestions, your questions, your problems. I want to hear, so leave me a message,” — Benjamin Netanyahu, prime minister
He also recalled his earlier stance on universal access:
- “Why should only some people have my phone number? Everyone should have it,” — Benjamin Netanyahu, prime minister
The Likud spokesperson had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.
Criticism and Opposition
An X user highlighted that a WhatsApp group visible in the video belonged to a synagogue updates channel that recently posted a pro-Bennett message, implying the handset was not personal.
