Technology and Science09 April, 20261 min read
Iran-Linked Hackers Leak 19,000 Files From Ex-IDF Chief Herzi Halevi's Phone
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Iranian-linked Handala hacked ex-IDF chief Herzi Halevi’s personal phone and accounts. Handala says it obtained 19,000 files, including private photos, videos, and personal documents.
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Handala Hacks Halevi
Handala claimed it had infiltrated the personal phone of former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi. The group extracted roughly 19,000 files including photos, videos, and recordings from secret meetings. They published images showing Halevi in military settings, private family moments, and undisclosed diplomatic visits.
One visit was a secret trip to Jordan where Halevi met with Jordanian Army chief Yousef al-Hunaiti. The leak included identification documents of Halevi and his wife. Israeli sources confirmed the authenticity of the photos to CNN.
Diplomatic Secrets Exposed
The leaked materials revealed diplomatic interactions that had been kept under wraps. Halevi presented Hunaiti with a dagger belonging to a Jordanian soldier killed in the Six-Day War.
The leak came just hours after President Trump announced a ceasefire. The group threatened to release additional content in the future.
Security Vulnerabilities
The breach reportedly involved personal devices and cloud services rather than classified military networks. Such attacks often rely on social engineering and spear-phishing.
Gil Messing said the cyber war does not stop with a ceasefire. The leak follows a series of Handala operations targeting top Israeli officials.
Iranian Retaliation
The Handala hack came amid escalating Iranian cyber operations targeting Israeli officials. The group has been identified by US intelligence as a front of Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security.
The leak included military, diplomatic, and personal materials. The Times of Israel noted the leak should shake the sense of security of top officials.
