Handala Group’s Latest Blow to Israel: Hacking Sensitive Data and Leaking Personal Photos

WANA (Nov 13) – In their latest cyberattack, the Handala cyber group has successfully accessed personal information belonging to Major General Gadi Eizenkot, the former Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces and one of the founders of Israel’s cybersecurity command. The group released photos from Eizenkot’s phone, boldly claiming that they have been monitoring high-ranking Israeli officials for years. In a mocking tone, Handala stated:

“For years, we have been right beside the highest Zionist officials. The foolishness of the top brass of the Zionist regime is unmatched. We are currently keeping tabs on more than 70 senior officials—tracking all their conversations, travels, communications, and documents. Don’t rush; we will reveal our presence when the time is right.”

Hacking and exposure of personal images of the founder of the Israeli regime’s cybersecurity command / WANA News Agency

This incident once again highlighted the Israeli security apparatus’ inability to counter cyber threats. However, this is just one of many successful operations by this group.

Since its inception, Handala has continuously targeted Israel with cyberattacks, successfully infiltrating critical infrastructure and extracting sensitive data from senior officials. The group, named after the iconic Palestinian revolutionary figure Handala, employs sophisticated and creative techniques to gain access to information.

A portion of the information released by the hacker group Handala regarding the Israeli regime’s nuclear facilities / WANA News Agency

Attack on the Dimona Nuclear Facility

One of Handala’s most striking attacks was the breach of the Dimona nuclear facility. The group managed to secure over 20 GB of highly classified data, including photos from inside the facility and information about Israel’s nuclear program. The release of this data not only dealt a blow to Israel’s security reputation but also sparked international concerns about the regime’s clandestine activities.

The following day, Handala shared images from the nuclear site and the personnel present there, stating: “We even know which rooms, blocks, pipes, and tanks to blow up for maximum damage! Playing with fire has severe consequences! Tough days are ahead for you and the residents of the occupied territories! Just wait… By the way, did you like the bouquet we sent to the homes of scientists working at this center?”

A portion of the information released by the hacker group Handala regarding the Israeli regime’s nuclear facilities / WANA News Agency

Exposing the Cybersecurity Chief of the Israeli Army

In another successful operation, Handala targeted Ehud Shani, the head of cybersecurity for the Israeli army. By infiltrating his personal devices, they accessed confidential information, a portion of which they exposed to demonstrate the Israeli security systems’ inability to protect their senior officials.

On their Telegram channel, Handala posted a snippet of the data retrieved from Shani’s phone, writing: “This is Ehud Shani, the head of the Israeli army’s cybersecurity! He played a significant role in the regime’s recent assassinations! But nothing is hidden from Handala! Expect a lot more data to be exposed! Ehud was responsible for numerous crucial surveillance and wiretapping operations! We were even monitoring your cybersecurity commander!”

An image of the head of the cybersecurity division of the Israeli army, released by the Handala group / WANA News Agency

Targeting Israel’s Military Attaché in the U.S.

Handala also managed to target General Yaakov Ayish, Israel’s military attaché in the United States. By accessing hundreds of gigabytes of data related to Ayish’s military activities and communications, they exposed sensitive information that has strained Israel’s relations with its allies, especially the United States.

This leak demonstrated that even Israel’s overseas representatives are not immune to Handala’s cyberattacks.

Other private images released by the Handala group feature members of the military and security forces of the Israeli regime / WANA News Agency

Attack on Mossad-Linked Companies: The “Vidisco” Case

Continuing its operations, Handala hacked into the Israeli company Vidisco and obtained 8 terabytes of data. According to Handala, this company, in collaboration with Mossad, was involved in smuggling sensitive equipment into Lebanon.

The group revealed that Mossad used Vidisco’s equipment to send explosives-laced batteries into Lebanon, which led to mysterious explosions there. This disclosure exposed serious flaws in Israel’s security policies and its covert collaborations with private firms.

The hacker group Handala has revealed new information about Benny Gantz and Adi Sabag / WANA News Agency

What differentiates Handala’s attacks from those of other hacking groups is their precision in selecting targets and their strategic timing for leaks. The group consistently aims to deliver the most significant blow to Israel’s credibility through carefully timed disclosures.

It appears that Handala operates an advanced intelligence network that allows them to access information even Israel’s powerful agencies, like Shin Bet and Mossad, have missed.

Over the past few months, Handala has carried out numerous cyberattacks, including hacking into the Iron Dome system, breaching the radar systems of the Israeli military, infiltrating the Shabak security database, and hacking into the weapons manufacturing plant Silver Shadow. All these attacks were successful, with portions of the acquired data already made public by the group.

An image of the passport belonging to the head of cybersecurity for the Israeli army, released by the hacker group Handala / WANA News Agency

Handala’s activities have set off serious alarm bells for Israel’s security agencies. Known as one of the world’s leaders in cybersecurity, Israel is now facing unprecedented challenges. The threats posed by Handala indicate that the group continues to gather information from high-ranking officials and will likely release it at critical moments.

Undoubtedly, the extent of Handala’s infiltration into data centers, organizations, and the personal devices of Israeli leaders and commanders signals a significant degradation in the regime’s cybersecurity capabilities. Even the head of Israel’s cybersecurity apparatus has not been spared from these relentless cyberattacks.