Iran employing psychological warfare tactics against 'Israel': Report

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
18 Apr 2024 19:31
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A new report by Haaretz states that there is an ongoing Iranian campaign aimed at harassment, sowing chaos, and fostering internal division in "Israel".

Israeli settlers at protests in “Tel Aviv” call for the release of captives held in Gaza. (AFP)

Instances have been reported of threatening packages or letters being sent to addresses by foreign agents, menacing phone calls, and various forms of harassment, along with surveillance activities targeting Israeli public figures, retired army officials, and journalists, as per a report published by Haaretz.

Moreover, families of Israeli captives received funeral wreaths along with condolence letters, as per the report. Following an investigation by the Shin Bet security service, it is claimed that the wreath was ordered by Iranians who allegedly utilized an Israeli mobile phone number to place the order. The flowers were procured from a local store, unaware of their role as an intermediary, and subsequently delivered to the family, the report added.

Haaretz claimed that the phone number utilized for ordering the flowers had been linked to an Iranian influence network known as the "Israeli Avengers Organization," previously exposed for its activities on Hebrew-language social media platforms, allegedly aimed at inciting discontent over Israeli internal political matters.

Unveiling social media operations stirring chaos in 'Israel'

The report highlighted that Haaretz had uncovered the operations of foreign entities on social media platforms seeking to instigate chaos and exacerbate existing social divisions within "Israel" over the last two years.

The Shin Bet claimed it responded to incidents where Iranian security agencies allegedly cynically and manipulatively exploited online platforms, as per the report.

The report also mentioned instances where Israelis inadvertently photographed the homes of senior security officials, printed protest banners designed by Iranians regarding Israeli captives, and even participated in fictitious demonstrations near the residences of captive families.

These elements also reportedly penetrated WhatsApp groups, utilizing local Israeli phone numbers to entice Israeli settlers into political engagement. They leveraged this access to promote contentious issues, spanning from the anti-Netanyahu protest movement to demonstrations in support of Israeli captives in Gaza, as per the report.

In the same context, Haaretz reported that a group of international hackers established an online platform named Cyber Court earlier this month. This platform is reportedly dedicated to disclosing leaks from a series of breaches of potentially sensitive databases in "Israel".

The leaks encompass ID data for numerous Israeli settlers. Additionally, aside from these hacks, a significant amount of personal ID data is available for purchase on Telegram groups, as per the report.