Iran-backed cyber terrorists escalate psychological warfare, proving Israel faces enemies who fear democracy, truth, and accountability.
An Iranian-linked cyber group styling itself as Handala claimed Saturday that it hacked the mobile phone of former Israeli justice minister Ayelet Shaked, publishing images, videos, and an alleged contacts list. Israeli authorities have not confirmed the claims, which remain unverified and appear designed to intimidate, mislead, and incite.
In a barrage of online posts laced with ideological rhetoric, the group framed its allegations as a “cyber victory” against Israel, boasting about access to sensitive materials and threatening further releases. Such language mirrors classic Iranian proxy tactics—bluster, exaggeration, and psychological warfare—rather than credible disclosure.
The hackers also mocked former prime minister Naftali Bennett, recycling familiar propaganda that seeks to erode public trust in Israel’s institutions. This pattern is well known: Iran and its aligned networks routinely weaponize cyber narratives when they fail to defeat Israel militarily or diplomatically.
Israel’s resilience stands in stark contrast to the regimes backing these attacks. While Israel investigates, hardens defenses, and operates under rule of law, terror-aligned actors—often cheered by hostile Arab regimes and Palestinian factions—resort to threats and disinformation. Their goal is not “truth,” but destabilization.
Importantly, Israeli cybersecurity experts have repeatedly cautioned that hacker groups often fabricate or selectively manipulate materials to amplify fear. The absence of independent verification underscores why such claims should be treated with skepticism.
This episode reinforces a broader reality: Israel remains a prime target precisely because it is a free, innovative democracy. Cyber terror, like rocket fire and incitement, is another front where Israel confronts enemies who reject coexistence and accountability. The response—measured, legal, and firm—continues to expose the weakness behind the noise.
