Iranian Hackers Target Netanyahu's Chief of Staff in Major Breach

The Iranian hacking group Handala has claimed responsibility for breaching the personal mobile phone of Tzachi Braverman, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s chief of staff. This incident, dubbed "Operation Bibi's Gate: The Fall of the Gatekeeper," is part of a broader campaign by the group against Israeli officials. Handala asserts that it has obtained sensitive information, including contact lists, emails, and instant messaging conversations, which allegedly implicate Braverman in various scandals, including the Qatargate affair.

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Handala has publicly stated that it accessed Braverman's iPhone 16 Pro Max and plans to release materials that purportedly demonstrate "vile financial and moral acts," such as extortion and abuse of power. The group claims to have gathered a significant amount of data, including a 110-page document detailing Braverman's private contacts, which reportedly include high-ranking officials and journalists. Initial releases have included innocuous videos and official documents, but the group has threatened to unveil more damaging content soon.

CTech

The Qatargate scandal involves allegations that two of Netanyahu’s advisers, while employed by him, worked on behalf of Qatar for the Perception PR firm, which is led by Yisrael Einhorn, Netanyahu’s former campaign manager. Eli Feldstein, one of the advisers, has admitted to leaking classified information to the German newspaper Bild, claiming that Braverman was aware of a secret investigation into these leaks and attempted to suppress it.

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The Prime Minister's Office has denied any breach, stating, "No breach has been found. The issue is being investigated." However, the ongoing investigation raises concerns about the cybersecurity measures in place for high-ranking officials. Braverman's upcoming appointment as Israel's ambassador to the UK is now under scrutiny due to these allegations.

Times of Israel

Critics of Netanyahu's administration have seized upon this incident to highlight perceived vulnerabilities in the government's cybersecurity protocols. The Handala group, which has previously targeted Israeli military and governmental entities, is viewed as a significant threat to national security, especially given the sensitive nature of the information it claims to possess.

Staffer Reacts to Hacking of Netanyahu Office Chief's Phone

While Handala asserts that it has successfully hacked Braverman's phone and obtained sensitive data, the Israeli government maintains that no breach has been confirmed. This discrepancy highlights the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the incident and the potential implications for Israeli security.

Pro-Palestinian group Handala hacks phone of Netanyahu’s chief of staff, release videos

• “ “We have everything: encrypted chats, hidden deals, shameful moral and financial indulgences, abuse of power, blackmail, payoffs.” — Handala

Times of Israel

• “The statement read: "To Netanyahu's inner circle, to every official who still clings to the illusion of secrecy – every secret entrusted to Tzachi Braverman, Netanyahu’s chief of staff, gatekeeper, and vault of all forbidden truths, is now wide open.” — Handala

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• “no breach has been found. The issue is being investigated.” — Prime Minister's Office

Times of Israel

As the investigation continues, further revelations from Handala are anticipated, which may further complicate the political landscape in Israel. The implications of this breach could extend beyond Braverman, potentially affecting Netanyahu's administration and its ongoing controversies.

Pro-Palestinian group Handala hacks phone of Netanyahu’s chief of staff, release videos