Iran sends mass texts to 'Israelis' seeking intelligence cooperation
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- 'Israeli' authorities claim Iran sent Hebrew-language text messages to 'Israelis'
- Messages allegedly invited users to share information on sensitive sites through online links
- 'Israel’s' Cyber Directorate said the campaign aimed to spread panic and gather intelligence
Iran allegedly sent mass text messages to 'Israeli' cellphone users overnight Monday, according to 'Israeli' authorities, urging recipients to cooperate with Iranian intelligence services.
The Hebrew-language messages reportedly encouraged users to contact Iranian embassies abroad or communicate with Iranian cyber activists online, according to information reported by The Times of Israel.
Some messages allegedly included links to maps where users could mark sensitive locations inside 'Israel'.
National Cyber Directorate described the campaign as an attempt to spread panic and influence public behavior through fear. Authorities warned recipients not to click on links, reply to the messages, or forward them.
One message reportedly read: “We assured you that soon you will see stars in the night sky that aren’t stars… soon you will see the sun in night skies,” in an apparent reference to Iranian missile attacks on 'Israel'.
Authorities claimed the messages did not indicate users’ phones had been hacked. Some texts reportedly appeared to come from organizations including IntelOP, Apocalypse, and BibiAlerts due to alleged manipulation of messaging systems.
Police accused Iranian intelligence of attempting to recruit 'Israelis' for intelligence-gathering operations inside 'Israel'.
Another message reportedly stated: “The Islamic Republic of Iran invites you to cooperate on intelligence... Build your future now.”
Gil Messing of Check Point Software Technologies told 'Israeli' media that some links allegedly directed users to online maps where locations inside 'Israel' could be marked.
According to Hebrew reports, several 'Israelis' have been arrested in recent years over alleged cooperation with Iran-linked operatives online.
