What It’s About
The Israeli Police’s cyber unit has launched an investigation into unsettling images of Justice Minister Yariv Levin that were circulated online. The images, showing Levin’s photo marred by bullet holes, have raised concerns about threats to his safety and the authenticity of the social media profiles sharing them.
Why It Matters
The investigation highlights the gravity of online threats within Israel’s political landscape and the perils of misinformation campaigns. Such activities undermine public trust and can escalate tensions, posing risks to individuals’ security and national unity.
Driving the News
The cyber unit is assessing whether the profiles posting the disturbing images are genuine or fake, with indications that many profiles are operated from overseas. This scrutiny is crucial in understanding the origins and motivations behind these online threats.
Broader Context
The scrutiny on Justice Minister Levin follows similar incidents targeting other political figures. For example, last Sunday, the Yisrael Beytenu party filed a police complaint against falsely circulated social media posts about their chairman Avigdor Liberman. The fictitious posts misreported Liberman’s involvement in a joint investment project with “Energean” energy company, aiming to mislead Russian-speaking Israelis.
What They’re Saying
Noam Party leader Avi Maoz responded sharply, tying the threats to “wild and irresponsible incitement” purportedly driven by Opposition Leader Yair Lapid. Calling for responsibility, Maoz emphasized the need for Lapid to issue a strong condemnation to prevent further escalation.
This story was first published on jpost.com.