Israeli TikTok star claims left-wing groups offered payment to bash government

Daniel Karkozov, a prominent Israeli internet personality, sparked controversy yesterday with allegations that left-wing organizations offered him money to produce anti-government content. In a TikTok video posted Sunday, the social media star claimed the groups aimed to “spread hatred” amid wartime tensions, a charge he says he rejected outright.

Karkuzov’s Accusations: Paid to Incite

In the four-minute video, Karkozov detailed an alleged approach from a left-wing outfit two weeks ago, offering payment to push narratives against the government. “They’d tell me weekly what to cover—against the government, laws, the handling of hostages—and I’d get paid to post,” he said. He claimed the unnamed group, tied to a figure behind last year’s judicial reform protests, sought to exploit his platform to criticize policies on hostages, failed deals, and rising living costs.

“Before this, I didn’t believe it—paying for protests, billboards, creators,” Karkozov admitted. “Then it happened to me.” He alleges the organization sent examples of other well-known creators already on their payroll, amplifying their message. “They pay to spread hatred,” he charged, condemning peers who accept such deals as “acting like dogs for cash.”

Wartime Division in Focus

Karkozov framed his refusal as a stand against division during Israel’s ongoing conflict. “It’s wartime—we need unity, right and left,” he said, accusing such groups of fueling animosity. “You’re tearing the nation apart, making right hate left and left hate right. Hamas sees this and profits.” He speculated that internal strife could invite “another October 7,” linking the alleged payments to broader security risks.

No specific organizations were named, but Karkozov hinted at ties to high-profile protests, like those led by groups such as “Brothers in Arms” against judicial reforms in 2023. He also suggested right-wing groups might engage in similar tactics, though he offered no evidence.

Social Media Reacts

The video, racking up thousands of views, ignited debate online. Supporters praised Karkozov’s stance, with comments like “Finally, someone calls it out!” Others questioned his claims’ credibility, demanding names and proof. “Sounds like a conspiracy—show receipts,” one X user wrote. Neither Karkozov nor his team have responded to requests for clarification as of press time.

Context: Influence and Polarization

Karkozov, a TikTok fixture known for edgy commentary, joins a growing list of influencers navigating Israel’s polarized landscape. With 59 hostages still held in Gaza and public frustration mounting over government responses, accusations of paid agendas—left or right—tap into a raw nerve. No left-wing groups have publicly addressed his allegations, leaving the story unverified but resonant in a nation on edge.

Channel 14 contributed to this article.