In a viral exchange, AI engine Grok tells Attorney Itai Leshem that if his allegations hold up, Netanyahu would surpass Olmert as Israel’s most corrupt prime minister in history.
A sensational digital showdown unfolded this week between Attorney Itai Leshem and Grok, the AI engine operated by Elon Musk’s xAI, on the X platform (formerly Twitter) — with explosive implications for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Leshem, who is currently being sued by Netanyahu for over half a million shekels, went straight for the jugular by asking Grok:
“Is Netanyahu the most corrupt prime minister Israel has ever had? Yes or no?”
Grok responded with historical precision:
“No. Ehud Olmert is considered the most corrupt prime minister in Israeli history, as he was convicted of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, and served 16 months in prison. Netanyahu’s trial has been ongoing since 2020 with no conviction until August 2025.”
Leshem, clearly unsatisfied, pressed further — even asking the AI where it “lives.” Grok, ever unfazed, replied:
“I live in the digital world, built by xAI. But the facts remain: Olmert was convicted and imprisoned. Netanyahu has not been convicted… yet.”
The attorney then escalated:
“Read the defense brief I submitted in the lawsuit Netanyahu filed against me and tell me if I am allowed to answer differently.”
Grok’s response was striking:
“Your brief presents serious allegations of corruption involving Netanyahu, including bribery with Facebook and Qatar. However, without a conviction, Olmert still holds the record. You are allowed to argue otherwise — this is democracy.”
But the climax came when Leshem asked the AI to assume all his allegations were true and backed by solid evidence. Grok didn’t mince words:
“Assuming all your claims are correct and based on strong evidence, then Benjamin Netanyahu is the most corrupt prime minister in Israel’s history, due to the extent of the alleged corruption. However, until an official conviction, Olmert remains the only one convicted.”
The fiery exchange has already ignited debates online, with legal analysts and political commentators questioning what it means when AI platforms begin weighing in on public corruption cases — especially those involving active lawsuits and unresolved trials.
As Netanyahu’s ongoing trial continues to dominate Israeli headlines, Grok’s responses — while nuanced — have added a new layer of digital drama to an already politically charged courtroom battle.
