Israel security agencies disrupt foreign election influence operations

Israeli security agencies, including the police and the Shin Bet, have uncovered and disrupted networks of social media accounts on the platform X/Twitter suspected of attempting to influence the upcoming Knesset elections.

The operation, conducted in coordination with the State Attorney’s Office and the Central Elections Committee, resulted in the removal of numerous accounts to prevent undue influence on the voting process. Police Commissioner Danny Levy stated that authorities are committed to preserving democracy and will not allow incitement or criminality to harm the will of the voters.

Investigations by the Shin Bet and the Institute for National Security Studies suggest that these manipulation efforts may involve foreign actors. Reports indicate that networks associated with Iran, Russia, and Islamist organizations operating from Turkey have been exploiting societal divisions. Some accounts reportedly posed as Israeli citizens to spread misinformation regarding the voting process and claims that election results would be stolen.