Israel-linked BlackCore accused of election interference

Allegations have surfaced regarding the use of Israeli technology and companies to interfere in foreign elections through digital manipulation and spyware. Outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro accused the Israeli information warfare firm BlackCore of utilizing a network of 500,000 automated social media bots to spread fake news. The operation reportedly aimed to damage the campaign of leftist candidate Iván Cepeda while favoring far-right candidate Amelardo de la Espriella, who won by a narrow margin.

Petro further alleged that Israeli election software was used to directly alter results by automatically switching votes in approximately 1,350 polling stations where the left was leading. Although the Electoral Commission rejected the objection, Petro described the incident as a ‘crisis of national sovereignty.’

Similar activities were uncovered in France, where investigations by government agencies revealed a secret digital sabotage and disinformation campaign conducted by BlackCore. Known as ‘Operation Rokh Solis,’ the campaign targeted the ‘La France Insoumise’ (LFI) party during local elections.