The "Tel Aviv 2026" Troll: Why the World is "Booking Flights" to a Sarcastic Utopia

A viral TikTok trend dubbed “Tel Aviv 2026” has exploded across the platform in the past two weeks, generating millions of views with glossy videos portraying the city as a futuristic utopia of nonstop parties, pristine beaches, and attractive locals nicknamed “Tel Aviv Baddies.”

The clips often feature fake “group chat” screenshots, people “booking flights” for spring break 2026, and captions like “Tel Aviv 2026 made it out the group chat” or “When Tel Aviv 2026 becomes reality.” Many use sleek, sometimes AI-enhanced footage of Tel Aviv’s skyline, nightlife, and street scenes.

However, according to Israeli media, the trend is not genuine praise but a cynical troll with anti-Israel undertones.

A detailed report published by Mako, titled “Tel Aviv 2026: What’s Behind the Cynical Trend That’s Mocking Israel,” explains that creators, many from outside Israel and some with pro-Palestinian leanings, are using the shiny aesthetic to ridicule the “Tel Aviv bubble.” The videos sarcastically suggest Israelis are partying in a perfect paradise while detached from the country’s security and political realities.

Key elements highlighted in the mako report:

Videos frequently include ironic “trip recaps” with absurd descriptions of Israeli street food and culture.

One prominent example comes from TikToker @ajyaps69_, who posts a fake travel vlog praising the Carmel Market and beach before sarcastically describing “a pita with hamburger and parmesan shoved in the toaster and served with sauce.” He adds, “I don’t understand why so many people hate Tel Aviv,” in a clearly ironic tone.

Other clips direct viewers to Google “Tel Aviv Baddies,” prompting Israeli women to post humorous response videos reclaiming the term.

A common tactic: using footage from Jerusalem or other cities paired with “Tel Aviv 2026” captions to emphasize the mockery.

Comments sections are often filled with Palestinian flags, laughing emojis, and remarks like “can’t wait for the reality check.”

The trend draws on Israel’s own tourism branding, Tel Aviv as “the city that never stops,” Pride campaigns, and summer aesthetics, but flips it into dark humor and political shade, presenting the country as an over-hyped “developing-world utopia” one step from chaos.

While some videos are lighthearted memes or posted by Israelis joining the fun, the core driving force behind its virality, per the mako analysis, is the disguised ridicule.

The trend remains active as of Wednesday, with new clips appearing hourly.

No official response from Israeli tourism authorities has been issued.This is a developing social media story.