French Probe into Alleged Israeli Disinformation Campaign Targeting LFI Candidates

French intelligence agencies are investigating a suspected foreign-interference operation that targeted three France Unbowed (LFI) candidates—Sébastien Delogu (Marseille), François Piquemal (Toulouse) and David Guiraud (Roubaix)—ahead of the March 2024 municipal elections. Internal documents indicate the campaign began in January 2024, lasted about 14 weeks, and was run by the Israeli firm BlackCore. Tactics included a fabricated website (“Sophie's Blog”), QR-code flyers, coordinated inauthentic accounts on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, and digital ads in the local newspaper La Depeche du Midi. Delogu filed a defamation suit in mid-March; Piquemal lodged police complaints in late March; investigations continued into April.

The Independent

Analysts warn the smear effort could sway voter perception in the 2027 presidential election, where LFI may become a pivotal force in a left-right runoff. The episode exposes weaknesses in France’s electoral infrastructure and the ease with which foreign actors can manipulate digital channels.

The Independent

LFI faces recurring accusations of antisemitism from some Jewish community leaders and political rivals, which the party denies. Critics contend that the party’s pro-Gaza stance may have motivated the disinformation campaign, a view echoed by the targeted candidates.

The Independent

LFI warned that similar attacks are likely in the upcoming presidential race, citing rapid technological change. French prosecutors have declined to comment on the specifics. The French foreign ministry declined to respond, while Israel’s foreign ministry said it was unaware of BlackCore. Meta confirmed removal of the network but did not name a perpetrator. Google did not reply; TikTok said it removed an account for violating its rules on deceptive behaviour.

The Independent

Reuters could not verify BlackCore’s corporate registration or base of operations. Meta identified the network’s origin as Israel but did not disclose the responsible party. Neither French prosecutors nor the Israeli foreign ministry provided substantive comment, leaving the commissioning entity of the operation unidentified.

The Independent

• “an elite influence, cyber, and technology company built for the modern era of information warfare,” — BlackCore (website)

The Independent

• “cutting-edge strategies, advanced tools, and robust security to shape narratives” — BlackCore (website)

The Independent

• “We expect the upcoming (presidential) election to be the scene of attacks of this kind,” — France Unbowed (LFI), party statement

The Independent

• “capable of winning the third-largest city in France” — François Piquemal, candidate

The Independent

• “coordinated inauthentic behavior.” — Meta Platforms, statement to Reuters

The Independent

French prosecutors continue probing the source of the campaign while the Toulouse Administrative Court deliberates on Piquemal’s request to annul his election result. Meta, Google and TikTok are conducting platform audits, and French authorities have announced heightened monitoring ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The Independent