An Iranian-linked hacking group known as “Handhala” published text messages on Saturday, claiming they belong to former Israeli Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked, concerning the 12-day war between Israel and Iran last June.
The messages reportedly show Shaked expressing her support for the war and describing it as being “for the whole world,” during a conversation with an unidentified person.
The “Handhala” group stated on platform X that the messages indicate Shaked’s attempts to coordinate an attack targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei through unofficial channels. The former minister has not issued any official comment regarding the authenticity of the leaks or the accusations contained within.
These leaks come at a time of ongoing escalation between Iran and Israel, following the twelve-day war in June, which involved mutual strikes and escalating threats between the two sides, amid regional and international warnings of a potential renewal of the conflict.
During the war, Tehran accused Israel of being behind military and security operations targeting its interests and leadership figures, while Tel Aviv justified its actions as part of confronting what it describes as the “regional Iranian threat.”
The “Handhala” group is one of several hacking groups that Israel and Western countries say are linked to Iran. It has previously been attributed to cyberattacks and leaks targeting Israeli figures and institutions, reflecting the prominence of cyber warfare as a strategic tool in the ongoing regional conflict.
If proven authentic, the messages attributed to Shaked raise questions about undisclosed political roles during the war and the limits of coordination outside official channels in times of military escalation, which could complicate future de-escalation efforts between the two parties.
Iran
Iran, historically known as Persia, is home to one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with a rich history of empires dating back to the Achaemenid Empire founded by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BCE. Its cultural landscape is marked by significant sites like Persepolis, intricate Islamic architecture, and a profound legacy in art, poetry, and science. Today, it is a modern nation-state where ancient traditions and a theocratic political system coexist.
Handhala
Handhala, also known as the “Cartoon Child,” is a symbol created by Palestinian cartoonist Naji al-Ali in 1969. The character, a young barefoot boy with his back turned and hands clasped, represents the resilience and witness of Palestinian refugees. It has become an enduring icon of Palestinian identity and resistance, reflecting the history of displacement and the hope for return.
Israel
Israel is a country in the Middle East, established as a modern state in 1948 following the United Nations partition plan for the British Mandate of Palestine. It is a historic homeland of the Jewish people, containing significant religious sites for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, such as the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Ayelet Shaked
Ayelet Shaked is a prominent Israeli politician who served as Minister of the Interior and Minister of Justice. She co-founded the right-wing Yamina party and has been a significant figure in advancing judicial and legislative reforms in Israel.
Ali Khamenei
Ali Khamenei is the second and current Supreme Leader of Iran, holding the country’s highest political and religious authority since succeeding Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989. His role, defined by Iran’s constitution, gives him ultimate control over the military, judiciary, and key state policies, following his earlier service as President of Iran from 1981 to 1989.
Tehran
Tehran is the capital and largest city of Iran, officially becoming the national capital in 1786 under the Qajar dynasty. It serves as the country’s political, economic, and cultural center, home to significant historical sites like the Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the 19th century.
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is a major coastal city in Israel, founded in 1909 as a modern Jewish suburb of the ancient port of Jaffa. It later grew to become the country’s economic and technological center, renowned for its UNESCO-listed Bauhaus architecture in the “White City” area.
