Skip to main content
Giant security breach

Herzi Halevi is Having a Very Bad Day

Iranian-linked hacking group Handala claims it has breached the personal mobile phone of Lt. Gen. (ret.) Herzi Halevi, former Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces.The group says it stole over 19,000 files, including videos and images from internal military meetings, and has started leaking material.

Herzi Halevi is Having a Very Bad Day

The Iranian-linked hacking collective Handala (also known as Handalah or Hanzala Hack) announced today that it has successfully hacked the personal mobile phone of Lt. Gen. (ret.) Herzi Halevi, former Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces.

According to the group’s statements posted on X and Telegram in the past few hours, Handala claims to have gained long-term access to Halevi’s device and extracted more than 19,000 confidential images and videos, including footage from internal Israeli military meetings, along with personal photos, documents, and other sensitive files. The group described the operation as a major intelligence victory and has already begun leaking selected materials.

One of the first images released allegedly shows Halevi in a meeting with Jordan’s Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti. Handala stated, “This is just the beginning,” and threatened further disclosures.

Halevi in a meeting with Jordan’s Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti.
Halevi in a meeting with Jordan’s Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti.
Handala claims to have hacked Herzi halevi's phone
Handala claims to have hacked Herzi halevi's phone
Herzi halevi visists George Bush aircraft carrier
Herzi halevi visists George Bush aircraft carrier
Halevi goes swimming with Ronen Bar
Halevi goes swimming with Ronen Bar

Handala is a pro-Iranian hacktivist group with a documented history of targeting high-profile Israeli figures. Previous claims by the group include breaches of:

  • Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s phone
  • Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s chief of staff,
  • Tzachi Braverman
  • Former minister Ayelet Shaked

Israeli officials have previously described many of Handala’s announcements as exaggerated or the result of social-engineering tactics rather than highly sophisticated technical hacks. Cybersecurity researchers link the group to Iranian intelligence networks.

    While the group has released what it says are sample files from the alleged breach, mainstream outlets and Israeli authorities have not confirmed the hack’s authenticity or scale at this time.

The story has gone viral on social media within hours and is being widely shared by pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel accounts.

As with prior Handala announcements, independent verification of the full breach and the sensitivity of the alleged material is not yet available. Experts note that these claims often blend real data with propaganda-style exaggeration.
Ready for more?

Join our newsletter to receive updates on new articles and exclusive content.

We respect your privacy and will never share your information.

Enjoyed this article?

Yes (49)
No (2)
Follow Us:
Follow us on

Unmissable content

Loading comments...

Also of Interest