Benjamin Netanyahu (left) has taken a close interest in the intelligence operations against the ICC and its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, sources say. Composite: Guardian Design/Getty
Hacker group threatens major Netanyahu exposure
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- “Handala” says it breached the phone of Netanyahu’s chief of staff.
- 'Israeli' officials probe possible Iranian-linked cyberattack.
A hacker group calling itself “Handala” claimed that it has obtained sensitive information related to 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and plans to publish it soon, raising new concerns over cybersecurity at the highest levels of 'Israel’s' government.
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The group said the data was obtained after it hacked the mobile phone of Tzachi Braverman, Netanyahu’s chief of staff, who was recently approved by the 'Israeli' government as 'Israel’s' next ambassador to the United Kingdom.
Alleged phone breach
In a post on X, the group claimed it hacked Braverman’s iPhone 16 Pro Max and gained access to what it described as “encrypted chats, secret deals, serious moral and financial misconduct, abuse of power, blackmail, and bribes”.
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“Handala” said Braverman, whom it described as a key gatekeeper and one of Netanyahu’s closest figures, had become “the regime’s biggest point of weakness.” The group named the alleged operation “Fall of the Gatekeeper”.
'Israeli' public broadcaster Kan quoted a source in the Prime Minister’s Office as saying authorities are examining reports that “Iranian hackers” may have breached the phone of Netanyahu’s chief of staff.
Link to earlier Bennett hack
The claim follows recent reports that the same group hacked the phone of former 'Israeli' prime minister Naftali Bennett, gaining access to contacts of senior security officials.
Bennett initially denied the reports before later acknowledging that his Telegram account had been accessed “through different means.” He said contact lists, photos, and conversations were published, some of them authentic and others fabricated, according to Haaretz.
Who is “Handala”?
Haaretz reported that the name “Handala” appears to be inspired by the iconic Palestinian cartoon character that became a national symbol. The group is known for so-called “hack-and-leak” operations aimed at high-profile 'Israeli' figures and institutions.
Since the start of 'Israeli' war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, the group has released dozens of alleged leaks, including contact lists of right-wing media figures, information on 'Israeli' soldiers, military sites, and 'Israeli' scientists.
More recently, the group, which describes itself on X as the “Popular Resistance Front for the Rights of the Oppressed (Handala)”, launched a website listing names and personal data of 'Israeli' high-tech experts it claims cooperate with the 'Israeli' army. The site reportedly included bounties attached to those names.
Haaretz also said that in June the group published a database containing thousands of resumes of 'Israelis' who served in sensitive and secret army and security units, including intelligence and cyber personnel, as well as individuals linked to the Defense Ministry, the Prime Minister’s Office, the air force, drone units, missile programs, and 'Israel’s' air defense systems.
'Israeli' authorities have not confirmed the authenticity or scope of the alleged leaks.
