The Likud primary: Trolling as a way to gain support – opinion

The Likud primary election has devolved into a "competition for grotesquerie," with candidates like Defense Minister Israel Katz and Education Minister Yoav Kisch using AI-generated campaign songs and viral clips to gain recognition. This approach allows candidates to remain in public conversation without addressing the government's performance. The article argues that this spectacle distracts from significant national issues, including the unresolved "total victory" promised after the October 7 attacks, the rising number of military casualties and psychological injuries, and a deteriorating domestic situation.

• The war has resulted in 968 Israeli soldiers killed since October 7, with 26,200 wounded, 65% seeking treatment for psychological distress or PTSD.
• Domestic issues include 309 murders in 2025, an unresolved Haredi draft question, and increased political polarization.
• The cost of living has risen significantly, with major household expenses climbing 15% to 30% since the current government took office.
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  Automatically generated summary based on the original article; quotes are from the source.