An Iranian hacker group says it has broken into former prime minister Naftali Bennett’s cellphone, according to Hebrew media reports.
The Ynet outlet quotes the Iranian “Handala” hackers’ group as saying that it infiltrated the politician’s phone in what it has dubbed “Operation Octopus.”
“You once prided yourself on being a leading light of cybersecurity, and displayed your expertise to the world,” Ynet quotes the group as saying, in an apparent reference to Bennett’s background as a co-founder of a cybersecurity company.
“And even so, how ironic that your iPhone 13 fell so easily into the hands of Handala,” the statement continues. “Despite all of your pride and boasting, your digital fortress is nothing more than a paper wall waiting to be broken.”
Bennett has referred to Iran as “the head of the octopus” of forces threatening Israel in the region.
The former premier is seen as the most credible challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in next year’s elections.
Your next read: ToI Editors' Picks
LIMITED TIME OFFER: Join The Times of Israel Community today and you'll receive a physical book of your choice, carefully curated by our editors.
Choose between two must-reads: When We See You Again by Rachel Goldberg-Polin, a searing portrait of a mother’s grief and strength following unthinkable tragedy;
Or Out of the Sky: Heroism and Rebirth in Nazi Europe by Matti Friedman, the gripping and surprising tale of a forgotten moment during World War II.
As a Community member, you’ll also enjoy our DocuNation series of outstanding Israeli documentary films, an ad-free experience of our site and podcasts, commenting privileges, and more.
CHOOSE YOUR BOOK
CHOOSE YOUR BOOK
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this
You're a dedicated reader
We’re really pleased that you’ve read X Times of Israel articles in the past month.
That’s why we started the Times of Israel - to provide discerning readers like you with must-read coverage of Israel and the Jewish world.
So now we have a request. Unlike other news outlets, we haven’t put up a paywall. But as the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers for whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community.
For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE, as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members.
Thank you,
David Horovitz, Founding Editor of The Times of Israel
Join Our Community
Join Our Community
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this