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Democratic primary candidate accused of fake smear campaign against himself

A Democratic Party primary candidate's campaign allegedly sent defamatory text messages about their own candidate, designed to appear as if sent by opponent Ronen Tzur. Thousands of messages were distributed to party members describing Shefer as "a radical leftist who kowtows to those who justify October 7," using exaggerated versions of Tzur's previous criticism. Investigation revealed the messages were registered to Shefer's personal spokesperson. The apparent goal was to disgust voters with what they believed was Tzur's smear campaign. Both Shefer and his spokesperson declined to comment. Party regulations approved two weeks ago allow expulsion for defamatory false campaigning, presenting a test for party leader Yair Golan.