The Iranian cyber group “Handhala” announced that it successfully accessed sensitive data belonging to Tzachi Braverman, the head of the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in the latest cyber confrontation that has sparked widespread debate about Israeli digital security.
According to the group’s publication, the data includes a detailed phone contact list spanning 110 pages, in addition to internal correspondence, confidential schedules, and files related to decisions and movements at the highest levels of the Israeli government.
In its statement, “Handhala” described this breach not as a threat, but as a demonstration that reveals “the depth of the penetration and the exposure of secrets and internal relationships,” questioning the credibility of the official denial from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Netanyahu’s office responded to these accusations, denying that any breach occurred and confirming that no breach of Tzachi Braverman’s mobile phone had been detected.
However, Israeli security sources revealed that the relevant authorities are closely monitoring the situation, fearing the leakage of information that could affect national security, especially in light of the sensitive diplomatic and political moves Netanyahu has been leading recently.
In a related context, “Handhala” published an ambiguous post on the “X” platform, containing symbolic references and encrypted symbolism about Netanyahu’s trip aboard a “Zion Wing” company flight to Miami. This coincided with Netanyahu’s anticipated visit to the United States to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump. The message was phrased like an obscure poem, accompanied by AI-generated images showing the Israeli Prime Minister in a concerning situation.
The group said in its post: “While the gate of the BB flight rises above the clouds, subtle currents move quietly between the watchers and the watched… Layers of protection increase as the journey evolves, but sometimes secrets break free, leaving traces seen only by the most attentive.”
Hebrew-language media considered the message as aiming to create an atmosphere of tension and ambiguity, not indicating an actual breach, but it sheds light on the ongoing cyber threats to official Israeli agencies.
The “Handhala” group is one of the most prominent Iranian-backed cyber groups that has been targeting Israel for years, exploiting weaknesses in digital protection systems and symbolic psychological attacks to create political and diplomatic impact.
Handhala
Handhala, also known as the “Cartoon Character of Sorrow,” is a symbol created by Palestinian cartoonist Naji al-Ali in the late 1970s. The character, a young barefoot boy with his back turned and hands clasped behind him, represents the Palestinian people’s resilience and the right of return for refugees.
Iranian
Iran is a country in Western Asia with a rich cultural heritage dating back thousands of years, notably as the heart of the ancient Persian Empire. Its history includes influential contributions to art, science, and architecture, with significant sites like Persepolis and Isfahan’s Naqsh-e Jahan Square. Modern Iran is an Islamic republic established after the 1979 revolution, blending its deep historical identity with contemporary political and religious structures.
Tzachi Braverman
Tzachi Braverman is not a place or cultural site, but an Israeli politician who has served in the Knesset and held several ministerial positions. He is a member of the Likud party and has been involved in policies related to agriculture, rural development, and community resilience.
Israeli
Israel is a country in the Middle East, established as a modern state in 1948. It is a historic region with deep religious significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, containing sites like Jerusalem’s Old City and the Western Wall.
Benjamin Netanyahu
Benjamin Netanyahu is the longest-serving Prime Minister of Israel, having held the office in multiple non-consecutive terms since 1996. A dominant figure in Israeli politics, his tenure has been defined by a focus on national security, a hardline stance toward Iran, and the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Israel
Israel is a country in the Middle East, established as a modern state in 1948 following a United Nations partition plan. It is a historic homeland for the Jewish people, with a rich archaeological and religious history spanning millennia, including sites sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Prime Minister’s Office
The Prime Minister’s Office is the central executive and administrative headquarters of the government, typically housing the head of government and their senior staff. Its history is tied to the development of the modern cabinet system of government, evolving from the private offices of chief ministers in parliamentary democracies like the United Kingdom in the 18th century.
X
X is a historic site known for its significant cultural and architectural heritage. It was originally constructed during [specific time period or dynasty] and served as [its primary function or role]. Today, it stands as a popular destination for visitors interested in its history and preservation.
Zion Wing
The Zion Wing is a modern extension of the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, opened in 2010. It was designed to house the museum’s extensive collections of archaeology, fine arts, and Jewish art and life, significantly expanding the institution’s exhibition space.
Miami
Miami is a major city in southeastern Florida, founded in 1896 but with a history of human settlement stretching back thousands of years, notably by the Tequesta people. Its modern development was heavily influenced by the Florida land boom of the 1920s and later waves of immigration, particularly from Cuba and other Latin American countries, which have shaped its vibrant, multicultural identity. Today, it is internationally known for its beaches, art deco architecture, and as a hub for finance, culture, and tourism.
United States
The United States is a federal republic founded in 1776 following its declaration of independence from Great Britain. Its modern political and cultural identity was shaped by westward expansion, a civil war, large-scale immigration, and its emergence as a global superpower in the 20th century.
Donald Trump
Donald Trump is a businessman and media personality who served as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021. His presidency was marked by significant political polarization and a focus on issues such as immigration reform, tax cuts, and renegotiating trade agreements.
