Iranian Hackers Expose Private Data of Former IDF Chief
On Thursday, hackers linked to Iranian intelligence published dozens of private photos, videos and personal documents belonging to former IDF chief Herzl Halevi. The material included both personal and official items.
The operation was claimed by the group known as Handala. The incident is part of a broader campaign in which Iranian hackers exposed private data connected to the former IDF chief.
What was released
- Dozens of photos and video clips from Halevi’s devices and accounts.
- Images of Halevi’s and his wife’s passports.
- Photos from visits to military facilities and crisis rooms.
- Official and unofficial meetings with U.S. CENTCOM commander Michael Kurilla.
- Previously undisclosed meetings with Arab counterparts, including a visit to Qatar.
- Images of secret flights on business jets.
- Photos from Halevi’s home, family scenes and travel pictures.
- Handala claimed they archived more than 19,000 confidential images and videos.
- The group also said it identified faces of hundreds of Israeli pilots and operatives.
Possible methods of access
Investigators have not confirmed the exact breach method. Analysts say access could have come through a mobile phone or cloud account.
Cloud and device targets
Attackers often target Google or iCloud accounts to harvest synced photos and documents. Mobile compromises can yield contact lists and correspondence.
Handala’s activity and prior breaches
Handala uses hack-and-leak tactics. The group presents itself as pro-Palestinian while acting in alignment with Iranian intelligence.
- In late March, Handala leaked Tamir Pardo’s Gmail correspondence.
- That leak exposed residential addresses and phone numbers.
- Over two years, Handala published tens of thousands of internal police documents.
- The group disclosed identities of intelligence and air force personnel.
- Data from a major health fund’s internal databases was also published.
- Materials were taken from mobile phones of Naftali Bennett, Ayelet Shaked, and Tzachi Braverman.
Security response and legal developments
Israel’s domestic security service, Shin Bet, has warned about such data collection for intelligence profiling. They said Tehran seeks detailed personal information on Israeli targets.
In February, Shin Bet highlighted arrests of dozens of Israelis over alleged espionage and collaboration. On Thursday, the agency said several citizens were charged with producing explosives for an assassination plot.
Context and motives
Israeli officials view the leaks as part of a tit-for-tat cycle. Iranian actors appear to be seeking ways to retaliate for targeted killings of their senior figures.
Filmogaz.com will monitor developments and update this report as more verified facts emerge.
