Iran‑linked hackers claim to have breached phone of Netanyahu’s chief of staff

The Iran‑based hacking group “Hanzala” has claimed it breached the mobile phone of Tzachi Braverman, chief of staff to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a statement posted on its account on the US‑based platform X, the group said the hack—dubbed “Bibi Gate”—allowed it to access Braverman’s 110‑page phone directory and other confidential data.

Alleged Data and Defiant Messaging

The group asserted it now possesses “encrypted chats, secret agreements, embarrassing ethical and financial misconduct, abuse of power, blackmail, bribes.” It added: “For years, you danced your little dance thinking Hanzala wasn’t among you. But we were in the room every time.” Braverman is known as a central figure in handling confidential communications and sensitive files within Netanyahu’s office.

Previous Hack Claims and Political Context

Hanzala recently also alleged it hacked the phone of former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. Bennett denied his phone was compromised but confirmed hackers had accessed his Telegram account. Bennett is viewed as one of Netanyahu’s strongest potential rivals in elections planned for next year, raising questions about the political motives behind such cyber‑operations.