Iran-Linked Hackers Release Footage Allegedly Filmed Inside IDF Bases

Less than a week before Israel's elections, the pro-Iranian hacker group Handala released footage on Wednesday morning that it claims was secretly recorded inside IDF bases during recent military operations. The group alleges that its operatives managed to enter military facilities, move around near senior commanders, and film meeting rooms and command centers without being detected.

The videos released by the group appear to show military compounds, equipment, and rooms used by soldiers. One clip shows uniformed personnel watching the animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants. Handala claims the footage was recorded by its own operatives and alleges that some remain active within the Israeli military.

The group also claimed to have breached IDF security systems, including surveillance cameras and sensors. However, it provided no technical evidence to support these allegations. The footage itself does not establish who recorded the videos, how they came into the group's possession, or whether anyone actually infiltrated military facilities.

The release comes amid heightened security tensions, following reports earlier this week that IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir had raised the military's alert level ahead of the elections. In its accompanying statement, Handala directly referenced the election campaign, criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and invoked the events of October 7.

Handala has previously been linked to cyberattacks and data leaks targeting Israeli organizations. According to the US Department of Justice and cybersecurity researchers, the group's activities have ties to Iran's Ministry of Intelligence.

Beyond its alleged cyber operations, Handala is known for distributing threatening messages and propaganda as part of psychological warfare efforts aimed at spreading fear and undermining public confidence in Israel's security establishment.