Turkish hackers video-call Israel Katz, leak his phone number

According to N12, since October 7 and the war in Gaza, several Israeli officials have been targeted in hacking attacks.

Turkish hackers video-called Defense Minister Israel Katz after finding his phone number, with a screenshot circulating on social media after the minister answered the call, N12 reported on Thursday.

Following the incident, the hackers shared Katz's phone number, which has since been disconnected.

According to N12, since October 7 and the war in Gaza, several Israeli officials have been targeted in hacking attacks.

In August, Iran-based hackers successfully infiltrated the personal phone of former justice minister Ayelet Shaked.

Shaked was informed of the hack by the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), which told her that the attempt originated from Iran.

The successful infiltration came after multiple attempts. The hackers reportedly gained access after Shaked clicked on a link, which allowed them to gain full control of her phone.

Shaked was previously warned of the Iranian attempts by former Shin Bet head Nadav Argaman.

Additionally, in May, security officials revealed that the Shin Bet thwarted 85 attempted cyberattacks by Iranian operatives targeting Israelis over recent months.

The campaign, which appears to be escalating, has focused on gathering personal data to potentially support future physical attacks inside Israel.