ALBAWABA- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday shared an image of a new Likud campaign billboard featuring Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The billboard, reportedly displayed along Tel Aviv’s Ayalon Highway, carries the Hebrew message, “They want Netanyahu to lose. Don’t let them win,” alongside the Likud logo. Netanyahu shared the image on social media with the English caption, “Don’t let them win.”
The advertisement appears to be part of Likud’s early campaign messaging ahead of Israel’s scheduled elections. By placing the four figures together, it portrays Netanyahu’s international critics and opponents as part of a broader political front seeking to end his tenure.
The figures represent markedly different political contexts. Khamenei leads Iran, which remains in confrontation with Israel, while Qassem heads Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese group that has fought Israel.
Erdogan has repeatedly criticized Israeli policies, particularly over Gaza and the Palestinians. Mamdani, who became New York City mayor in January 2026, has also been outspoken in his criticism of Israeli government policies and support for Palestinian rights.
The inclusion of Mamdani alongside leaders of Iran, Hezbollah and Turkey appears designed to broaden the definition of opposition to Netanyahu, presenting criticism from both foreign adversaries and Western political figures as part of a common challenge to his leadership.
The messaging reflects a strategy long associated with Netanyahu and Likud campaigns, which have frequently emphasized external threats and international pressure to mobilize right-wing and security-focused voters. The approach seeks to frame opposition to Netanyahu as potentially benefiting Israel’s adversaries.
The billboard has also drawn criticism from Netanyahu’s opponents, who circulated parody versions of the advertisement and argued that the prime minister’s continued leadership poses greater risks to Israel’s security and institutions. Mamdani’s inclusion has attracted particular attention because, unlike the other figures, he is a U.S. elected official rather than the leader of a state or armed organization hostile to Israel.
