Iran-Linked Disinformation Campaign Targets Israeli Elections

• •1,516 anomalies identified in a study of over 21,000 social media posts.
• •Iranian-linked accounts are impersonating Israelis to spread election misinformation.
• •Nearly 20% of disinformation campaigns have influenced Israeli media reporting.

An OSINT investigation revealed that Iranian-linked accounts are posing as Israeli citizens to spread misinformation ahead of the upcoming elections. The investigation by Golden Owl analyzed over 21,000 posts and flagged 1,516 anomalies, including false claims about electoral fraud and foreign interference. The accounts, which were found to be operating in fluent Hebrew, aimed to manipulate public perception regarding Prime Minister Netanyahu and divisive issues like the haredi draft. The campaign has been linked to a broader strategy that includes the use of generative AI to create convincing content. As the election date approaches on October 27, the Israeli government is struggling to counter these sophisticated disinformation tactics. Reports indicate that nearly 20% of identified disinformation campaigns have succeeded in influencing Israeli media narratives. The Shin Bet has recognized foreign interference as a top threat but lacks a cohesive national response strategy.