Day: June 14, 2026

Israeli Firms Linked to Global Election Meddling

Post author By Mike Nova
Post date June 14, 2026

Summary

Private Israeli cyber firms are under fire for allegedly selling election interference tools worldwide. Reports say companies like BlackCore used fake social media networks to sway votes, including in New York’s mayoral race. Governments are investigating, but the industry keeps growing.

Key Stories

BlackCore accused of meddling in New York election — France’s disinformation watchdog says the Israeli firm BlackCore ran fake social media accounts to influence New York’s 2025 mayoral race, won by pro-Palestinian candidate Zohran Mamdani. U.S. agencies haven’t commented yet.

Private Israeli firms fuel global election interference — Instead of state-led operations, private Israeli cyber firms—staffed by ex-intel agents—are selling digital sabotage tools to foreign clients. These companies specialize in disinformation and psychological warfare.

France exposes BlackCore’s election manipulation tactics — A 2026 French report details how BlackCore used coordinated fake accounts to shape political narratives in multiple countries, including Scotland and the U.S.

Israeli cyber industry thrives on election interference — The industry, dominated by veterans of elite units like Mossad, operates as a privatized shadow intelligence market, selling advanced manipulation tools to the highest bidder.

Articles and Tweets

#CIA #FBI #Mossad Israel’s interference in the Elections worldwide https://share.google/aimode/ZquLnkyjVFaccoR4R Reports of global election interference involving entities based in Israel center primarily on private cyber-intelligence and disinformation f

Post author By Mike Nova
Post date June 14, 2026

#CIA #FBI #Mossad
Israel’s interference in the Elections worldwide
share.google/aimode/ZquLnkyj…
Reports of global election interference involving entities based in Israel center primarily on private cyber-intelligence and disinformation firms rather than documented operations by the Israeli state itself. International investigations and government watchdogs have exposed several private Israeli companies selling digital manipulation and psychological warfare services to foreign clients. [1, 2, 3]
–
Blog:
thenewsandtimes.blogspot.com…
–
The BlackCore Investigations (2026)
In June 2026, France’s disinformation detection service, Viginum, published a comprehensive report implicating the Israeli cyber-influence firm BlackCore in several recent international elections. [4]

France: The firm orchestrated an online smear campaign targeting three mayoral candidates from the left-wing, pro-Palestine La France Insoumise (LFI) party. The campaign utilized deceptive websites and AI-generated social media bots to spread false criminal allegations. [4, 5, 6]
Scotland: BlackCore deployed coordinated networks of fake proxy accounts to target First Minister John Swinney, the Scottish National Party (SNP), and the Scottish government. The operation intensified after Swinney made public remarks critical of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. [7, 8, 9]
United States: The firm was flagged for conducting digital interference operations during the 2025 municipal and mayoral elections in New York City. [5, 7]
Africa: Viginum identified active, parallel interference pipelines run by BlackCore targeting electoral processes in Angola and Togo. [2, 4]

The French government formally requested explanations and investigative assistance from Israel regarding BlackCore’s actions. In response, the Israeli embassy in Paris stated that the Israeli state had “no intention of interfering” in foreign elections and would launch its own review once it received France’s data. Before scrubbing its digital footprint, BlackCore publicly marketed itself as an elite “information warfare” firm built to “shape narratives” for political campaigns. [2, 5, 9, 10]
The “Team Jorge” Exposé (2023)
A major international media investigation led by the journalism consortium Forbidden Stories exposed a covert unit of Israeli contractors dubbed “Team Jorge,” run by Tal Hanan, a former Israeli special forces operative. [3]

Scale of Operations: Hanan boasted to undercover reporters that his team had covertly manipulated more than 30 presidential and legislative-level elections worldwide, claiming a 70% success rate. [3, 11]
Methods: The group utilized a proprietary software platform called Advanced Impact Media Solutions (AIMS). This tool controlled an army of over 30,000 highly realistic fake profiles across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn, complete with long-standing digital backstories and linked credit cards. [3, 11, 12]
Targeted Regions: Documented interventions included hacking senior political figures and running bot-driven automated disinformation campaigns across Africa (Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya), Europe, and Central/South America. The investigation revealed they had also historically collaborated with the defunct political consultancy Cambridge Analytica. [3, 11]

Other Private Corporate Actors
Beyond BlackCore and Team Jorge, other private Israeli corporate intelligence firms have faced scrutiny for intersecting with foreign political landscapes: [3]

Black Cube: This private intelligence agency, composed largely of former Israeli security and intelligence veterans, has repeatedly faced accusations of conducting corporate and political espionage. In Eastern Europe, investigations linked the firm’s private operations to efforts aimed at discrediting specific political figures ahead of national elections. [13]
Psy-Group: This now-defunct private Israeli psychological warfare company was investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice during the late 2010s regarding proposals it drafted to use social media manipulation to influence U.S. political campaigns.

While these private entities frequently employ veterans of Israel’s military intelligence and cyber divisions, international investigative bodies emphasize that they operate as private mercenaries for hire. Their motivations are primarily commercial, serving whatever foreign political candidate, billionaire, or intelligence service pays their fees, rather than advancing a unified state agenda. [3, 7, 10]

[1] theguardian.com
[2] silicon.co.uk
[3] facebook.com
[4] reuters.com
[5] middleeasteye.net
[6] politico.eu
[7] theguardian.com
[8] bbc.com
[9] english.aawsat.com
[10] timesofisrael.com
[11] facebook.com
[12] facebook.com
[13] europeancorrespondent.com
–

Blog:
thenewsandtimes.blogspot.com…

–
Israel’s Private Election Interference Industry gemini.google.com/share/24b7…
When analyzing the landscape of global election interference, the activity emanating from Israel predominantly takes the form of a highly sophisticated, privatized industry rather than traditional, state-directed operations.

The global intelligence market has seen a surge in private cyber-mercenary firms, often staffed by veterans of elite Israeli intelligence and military units (such as Unit 8200 or the Mossad). These organizations essentially privatize advanced tradecraft, selling digital sabotage, open-source intelligence (OSINT) manipulation, and psychological warfare to the highest bidder—blurring the lines between state security apparatuses and transnational influence networks.

Here is a breakdown of the most significant recent cases and the operational methods these firms employ.

The 2026 “BlackCore” Operations

In June 2026, France’s disinformation detection agency, Viginum, released a detailed report exposing an Israeli firm known as BlackCore. The firm, which billed itself as an “elite influence, cyber, and technology company,” was identified as the central actor in a series of coordinated digital interference campaigns.

France: BlackCore was initially suspected of orchestrating an online smear campaign during the French municipal elections in March 2026, specifically targeting pro-Palestine candidates from the France Unbowed (LFI) party.
Scotland: The firm targeted Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, and the Scottish National Party (SNP) ahead of the May 2026 elections. Using proxy accounts on X, BlackCore distributed hundreds of coordinated comments to flood posts, ostensibly in response to the SNP’s vocal criticism of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
New York City: Viginum’s report also linked BlackCore to meddling in the 2025 NYC mayoral race, specifically targeting Zohran Mamdani.
Global Reach: The agency noted that the same modus operandi had been deployed in Angola and Togo.

Following the exposure, BlackCore scrubbed its online presence. The Israeli government denied any state-sponsored intent to interfere in French or foreign political processes, stating it would conduct its own inquiry based on the French findings.

The “Team Jorge” Exposé (2023)

Before BlackCore, the most expansive look into this privatized industry came in 2023, when a consortium of investigative journalists (including Forbidden Stories and The Guardian) exposed a unit dubbed “Team Jorge.” The group was led by Tal Hanan, a former Israeli special forces operative.

Hanan claimed his unit had covertly intervened in 33 presidential-level elections globally, boasting a success rate of 27. The investigation revealed the specific mechanics of modern information warfare:

AIMS Software: Team Jorge utilized a proprietary tool called Advanced Impact Media Solutions (AIMS) to automate and control over 30,000 fictitious social media profiles across platforms like X, Telegram, and Facebook. Each avatar had a multifaceted digital backstory, complete with credit cards and Amazon accounts, designed to bypass traditional platform security bottlenecks.
Hacking and Sabotage: Beyond bot networks, the team demonstrated the ability to hack into the Gmail and Telegram accounts of senior political aides (such as those in Kenya’s 2022 election) to gather intelligence or deploy sabotage.
Corporate Partnerships: The investigation revealed that Team Jorge had previously collaborated with the UK-based firm Cambridge Analytica to manipulate the 2015 Nigerian presidential election, highlighting how these decentralized networks operate transactionally across borders.

The Gray Area of State Culpability

While the Israeli government consistently denies officially commissioning these election interference operations, the distinction between private enterprise and state capability is heavily scrutinized.

These firms thrive because they can offer plausible deniability to their clients, which range from foreign governments and intelligence agencies to private corporations and political rivals. However, many of these operations rely on software and cyber-weaponry that require export licenses from the Israeli Ministry of Defense. For instance, some of Tal Hanan’s disinformation operations were reportedly run through Demoman International, a company registered on the Israeli Defense Ministry’s defense exports website.

This creates a complex dynamic: while the state itself may not be directing the interference to further its own immediate geopolitical goals, it serves as the incubator and regulatory umbrella for the mercenary networks executing the campaigns.
–
Blog:
thenewsandtimes.blogspot.com…

— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Jun 14, 2026

Articles and Tweets

#CIA #FBI #Mossad Israel’s interference in the Elections worldwide Reports of global election interference involving entities based in Israel center primarily on private cyber-intelligence and disinformation firms rather than documented operations by the Israeli state itself. International investigations and government watchdogs have exposed several private Israeli companies selling digital manipulation and psychological warfare services to foreign clients. [1, 2, 3] – Blog: – The BlackCore Investigations (2026) In June 2026, France’s disinformation detection ser

Post author By Mike Nova
Post date June 14, 2026

#CIA #FBI #Mossad
Israel’s interference in the Elections worldwide
share.google/aimode/ZquLnkyj…
Reports of global election interference involving entities based in Israel center primarily on private cyber-intelligence and disinformation firms rather than documented operations by the Israeli state itself. International investigations and government watchdogs have exposed several private Israeli companies selling digital manipulation and psychological warfare services to foreign clients. [1, 2, 3]
–
Blog:
thenewsandtimes.blogspot.com…
–
The BlackCore Investigations (2026)
In June 2026, France’s disinformation detection service, Viginum, published a comprehensive report implicating the Israeli cyber-influence firm BlackCore in several recent international elections. [4]

France: The firm orchestrated an online smear campaign targeting three mayoral candidates from the left-wing, pro-Palestine La France Insoumise (LFI) party. The campaign utilized deceptive websites and AI-generated social media bots to spread false criminal allegations. [4, 5, 6]
Scotland: BlackCore deployed coordinated networks of fake proxy accounts to target First Minister John Swinney, the Scottish National Party (SNP), and the Scottish government. The operation intensified after Swinney made public remarks critical of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. [7, 8, 9]
United States: The firm was flagged for conducting digital interference operations during the 2025 municipal and mayoral elections in New York City. [5, 7]
Africa: Viginum identified active, parallel interference pipelines run by BlackCore targeting electoral processes in Angola and Togo. [2, 4]

The French government formally requested explanations and investigative assistance from Israel regarding BlackCore’s actions. In response, the Israeli embassy in Paris stated that the Israeli state had “no intention of interfering” in foreign elections and would launch its own review once it received France’s data. Before scrubbing its digital footprint, BlackCore publicly marketed itself as an elite “information warfare” firm built to “shape narratives” for political campaigns. [2, 5, 9, 10]
The “Team Jorge” Exposé (2023)
A major international media investigation led by the journalism consortium Forbidden Stories exposed a covert unit of Israeli contractors dubbed “Team Jorge,” run by Tal Hanan, a former Israeli special forces operative. [3]

Scale of Operations: Hanan boasted to undercover reporters that his team had covertly manipulated more than 30 presidential and legislative-level elections worldwide, claiming a 70% success rate. [3, 11]
Methods: The group utilized a proprietary software platform called Advanced Impact Media Solutions (AIMS). This tool controlled an army of over 30,000 highly realistic fake profiles across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn, complete with long-standing digital backstories and linked credit cards. [3, 11, 12]
Targeted Regions: Documented interventions included hacking senior political figures and running bot-driven automated disinformation campaigns across Africa (Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya), Europe, and Central/South America. The investigation revealed they had also historically collaborated with the defunct political consultancy Cambridge Analytica. [3, 11]

Other Private Corporate Actors
Beyond BlackCore and Team Jorge, other private Israeli corporate intelligence firms have faced scrutiny for intersecting with foreign political landscapes: [3]

Black Cube: This private intelligence agency, composed largely of former Israeli security and intelligence veterans, has repeatedly faced accusations of conducting corporate and political espionage. In Eastern Europe, investigations linked the firm’s private operations to efforts aimed at discrediting specific political figures ahead of national elections. [13]
Psy-Group: This now-defunct private Israeli psychological warfare company was investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice during the late 2010s regarding proposals it drafted to use social media manipulation to influence U.S. political campaigns.

While these private entities frequently employ veterans of Israel’s military intelligence and cyber divisions, international investigative bodies emphasize that they operate as private mercenaries for hire. Their motivations are primarily commercial, serving whatever foreign political candidate, billionaire, or intelligence service pays their fees, rather than advancing a unified state agenda. [3, 7, 10]

[1] theguardian.com
[2] silicon.co.uk
[3] facebook.com
[4] reuters.com
[5] middleeasteye.net
[6] politico.eu
[7] theguardian.com
[8] bbc.com
[9] english.aawsat.com
[10] timesofisrael.com
[11] facebook.com
[12] facebook.com
[13] europeancorrespondent.com
–

Blog:
thenewsandtimes.blogspot.com…

–
Israel’s Private Election Interference Industry gemini.google.com/share/24b7…
When analyzing the landscape of global election interference, the activity emanating from Israel predominantly takes the form of a highly sophisticated, privatized industry rather than traditional, state-directed operations.

The global intelligence market has seen a surge in private cyber-mercenary firms, often staffed by veterans of elite Israeli intelligence and military units (such as Unit 8200 or the Mossad). These organizations essentially privatize advanced tradecraft, selling digital sabotage, open-source intelligence (OSINT) manipulation, and psychological warfare to the highest bidder—blurring the lines between state security apparatuses and transnational influence networks.

Here is a breakdown of the most significant recent cases and the operational methods these firms employ.

The 2026 “BlackCore” Operations

In June 2026, France’s disinformation detection agency, Viginum, released a detailed report exposing an Israeli firm known as BlackCore. The firm, which billed itself as an “elite influence, cyber, and technology company,” was identified as the central actor in a series of coordinated digital interference campaigns.

France: BlackCore was initially suspected of orchestrating an online smear campaign during the French municipal elections in March 2026, specifically targeting pro-Palestine candidates from the France Unbowed (LFI) party.
Scotland: The firm targeted Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, and the Scottish National Party (SNP) ahead of the May 2026 elections. Using proxy accounts on X, BlackCore distributed hundreds of coordinated comments to flood posts, ostensibly in response to the SNP’s vocal criticism of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
New York City: Viginum’s report also linked BlackCore to meddling in the 2025 NYC mayoral race, specifically targeting Zohran Mamdani.
Global Reach: The agency noted that the same modus operandi had been deployed in Angola and Togo.

Following the exposure, BlackCore scrubbed its online presence. The Israeli government denied any state-sponsored intent to interfere in French or foreign political processes, stating it would conduct its own inquiry based on the French findings.

The “Team Jorge” Exposé (2023)

Before BlackCore, the most expansive look into this privatized industry came in 2023, when a consortium of investigative journalists (including Forbidden Stories and The Guardian) exposed a unit dubbed “Team Jorge.” The group was led by Tal Hanan, a former Israeli special forces operative.

Hanan claimed his unit had covertly intervened in 33 presidential-level elections globally, boasting a success rate of 27. The investigation revealed the specific mechanics of modern information warfare:

AIMS Software: Team Jorge utilized a proprietary tool called Advanced Impact Media Solutions (AIMS) to automate and control over 30,000 fictitious social media profiles across platforms like X, Telegram, and Facebook. Each avatar had a multifaceted digital backstory, complete with credit cards and Amazon accounts, designed to bypass traditional platform security bottlenecks.
Hacking and Sabotage: Beyond bot networks, the team demonstrated the ability to hack into the Gmail and Telegram accounts of senior political aides (such as those in Kenya’s 2022 election) to gather intelligence or deploy sabotage.
Corporate Partnerships: The investigation revealed that Team Jorge had previously collaborated with the UK-based firm Cambridge Analytica to manipulate the 2015 Nigerian presidential election, highlighting how these decentralized networks operate transactionally across borders.

The Gray Area of State Culpability

While the Israeli government consistently denies officially commissioning these election interference operations, the distinction between private enterprise and state capability is heavily scrutinized.

These firms thrive because they can offer plausible deniability to their clients, which range from foreign governments and intelligence agencies to private corporations and political rivals. However, many of these operations rely on software and cyber-weaponry that require export licenses from the Israeli Ministry of Defense. For instance, some of Tal Hanan’s disinformation operations were reportedly run through Demoman International, a company registered on the Israeli Defense Ministry’s defense exports website.

This creates a complex dynamic: while the state itself may not be directing the interference to further its own immediate geopolitical goals, it serves as the incubator and regulatory umbrella for the mercenary networks executing the campaigns.
–
Blog:
thenewsandtimes.blogspot.com…

— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Jun 14, 2026

Articles and Tweets

#CIA #FBI #Mossad Israel’s interference in the Elections worldwide Reports of global election interference involving entities based in Israel center primarily on private cyber-intelligence and disinformation firms rather than documented operations by the Israeli state itself. International investigations and government watchdogs have exposed several private Israeli companies selling digital manipulation and psychological warfare services to foreign clients. [1, 2, 3] The BlackCore Investigations (2026) In June 2026, France’s disinformation detection service, Viginum, published a comprehensive report implicating the Israeli cyber-influence firm Bl

Post author By Mike Nova
Post date June 14, 2026

#CIA #FBI #Mossad
Israel’s interference in the Elections worldwide
share.google/aimode/ZquLnkyj…
Reports of global election interference involving entities based in Israel center primarily on private cyber-intelligence and disinformation firms rather than documented operations by the Israeli state itself. International investigations and government watchdogs have exposed several private Israeli companies selling digital manipulation and psychological warfare services to foreign clients. [1, 2, 3]
The BlackCore Investigations (2026)
In June 2026, France’s disinformation detection service, Viginum, published a comprehensive report implicating the Israeli cyber-influence firm BlackCore in several recent international elections. [4]

France: The firm orchestrated an online smear campaign targeting three mayoral candidates from the left-wing, pro-Palestine La France Insoumise (LFI) party. The campaign utilized deceptive websites and AI-generated social media bots to spread false criminal allegations. [4, 5, 6]
Scotland: BlackCore deployed coordinated networks of fake proxy accounts to target First Minister John Swinney, the Scottish National Party (SNP), and the Scottish government. The operation intensified after Swinney made public remarks critical of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. [7, 8, 9]
United States: The firm was flagged for conducting digital interference operations during the 2025 municipal and mayoral elections in New York City. [5, 7]
Africa: Viginum identified active, parallel interference pipelines run by BlackCore targeting electoral processes in Angola and Togo. [2, 4]

The French government formally requested explanations and investigative assistance from Israel regarding BlackCore’s actions. In response, the Israeli embassy in Paris stated that the Israeli state had “no intention of interfering” in foreign elections and would launch its own review once it received France’s data. Before scrubbing its digital footprint, BlackCore publicly marketed itself as an elite “information warfare” firm built to “shape narratives” for political campaigns. [2, 5, 9, 10]
The “Team Jorge” Exposé (2023)
A major international media investigation led by the journalism consortium Forbidden Stories exposed a covert unit of Israeli contractors dubbed “Team Jorge,” run by Tal Hanan, a former Israeli special forces operative. [3]

Scale of Operations: Hanan boasted to undercover reporters that his team had covertly manipulated more than 30 presidential and legislative-level elections worldwide, claiming a 70% success rate. [3, 11]
Methods: The group utilized a proprietary software platform called Advanced Impact Media Solutions (AIMS). This tool controlled an army of over 30,000 highly realistic fake profiles across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn, complete with long-standing digital backstories and linked credit cards. [3, 11, 12]
Targeted Regions: Documented interventions included hacking senior political figures and running bot-driven automated disinformation campaigns across Africa (Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya), Europe, and Central/South America. The investigation revealed they had also historically collaborated with the defunct political consultancy Cambridge Analytica. [3, 11]

Other Private Corporate Actors
Beyond BlackCore and Team Jorge, other private Israeli corporate intelligence firms have faced scrutiny for intersecting with foreign political landscapes: [3]

Black Cube: This private intelligence agency, composed largely of former Israeli security and intelligence veterans, has repeatedly faced accusations of conducting corporate and political espionage. In Eastern Europe, investigations linked the firm’s private operations to efforts aimed at discrediting specific political figures ahead of national elections. [13]
Psy-Group: This now-defunct private Israeli psychological warfare company was investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice during the late 2010s regarding proposals it drafted to use social media manipulation to influence U.S. political campaigns.

While these private entities frequently employ veterans of Israel’s military intelligence and cyber divisions, international investigative bodies emphasize that they operate as private mercenaries for hire. Their motivations are primarily commercial, serving whatever foreign political candidate, billionaire, or intelligence service pays their fees, rather than advancing a unified state agenda. [3, 7, 10]

[1] theguardian.com
[2] silicon.co.uk
[3] facebook.com
[4] reuters.com
[5] middleeasteye.net
[6] politico.eu
[7] theguardian.com
[8] bbc.com
[9] english.aawsat.com
[10] timesofisrael.com
[11] facebook.com
[12] facebook.com
[13] europeancorrespondent.com
–

Israel’s Private Election Interference Industry gemini.google.com/share/24b7…
When analyzing the landscape of global election interference, the activity emanating from Israel predominantly takes the form of a highly sophisticated, privatized industry rather than traditional, state-directed operations.

The global intelligence market has seen a surge in private cyber-mercenary firms, often staffed by veterans of elite Israeli intelligence and military units (such as Unit 8200 or the Mossad). These organizations essentially privatize advanced tradecraft, selling digital sabotage, open-source intelligence (OSINT) manipulation, and psychological warfare to the highest bidder—blurring the lines between state security apparatuses and transnational influence networks.

Here is a breakdown of the most significant recent cases and the operational methods these firms employ.

The 2026 “BlackCore” Operations

In June 2026, France’s disinformation detection agency, Viginum, released a detailed report exposing an Israeli firm known as BlackCore. The firm, which billed itself as an “elite influence, cyber, and technology company,” was identified as the central actor in a series of coordinated digital interference campaigns.

France: BlackCore was initially suspected of orchestrating an online smear campaign during the French municipal elections in March 2026, specifically targeting pro-Palestine candidates from the France Unbowed (LFI) party.
Scotland: The firm targeted Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, and the Scottish National Party (SNP) ahead of the May 2026 elections. Using proxy accounts on X, BlackCore distributed hundreds of coordinated comments to flood posts, ostensibly in response to the SNP’s vocal criticism of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
New York City: Viginum’s report also linked BlackCore to meddling in the 2025 NYC mayoral race, specifically targeting Zohran Mamdani.
Global Reach: The agency noted that the same modus operandi had been deployed in Angola and Togo.

Following the exposure, BlackCore scrubbed its online presence. The Israeli government denied any state-sponsored intent to interfere in French or foreign political processes, stating it would conduct its own inquiry based on the French findings.

The “Team Jorge” Exposé (2023)

Before BlackCore, the most expansive look into this privatized industry came in 2023, when a consortium of investigative journalists (including Forbidden Stories and The Guardian) exposed a unit dubbed “Team Jorge.” The group was led by Tal Hanan, a former Israeli special forces operative.

Hanan claimed his unit had covertly intervened in 33 presidential-level elections globally, boasting a success rate of 27. The investigation revealed the specific mechanics of modern information warfare:

AIMS Software: Team Jorge utilized a proprietary tool called Advanced Impact Media Solutions (AIMS) to automate and control over 30,000 fictitious social media profiles across platforms like X, Telegram, and Facebook. Each avatar had a multifaceted digital backstory, complete with credit cards and Amazon accounts, designed to bypass traditional platform security bottlenecks.
Hacking and Sabotage: Beyond bot networks, the team demonstrated the ability to hack into the Gmail and Telegram accounts of senior political aides (such as those in Kenya’s 2022 election) to gather intelligence or deploy sabotage.
Corporate Partnerships: The investigation revealed that Team Jorge had previously collaborated with the UK-based firm Cambridge Analytica to manipulate the 2015 Nigerian presidential election, highlighting how these decentralized networks operate transactionally across borders.

The Gray Area of State Culpability

While the Israeli government consistently denies officially commissioning these election interference operations, the distinction between private enterprise and state capability is heavily scrutinized.

These firms thrive because they can offer plausible deniability to their clients, which range from foreign governments and intelligence agencies to private corporations and political rivals. However, many of these operations rely on software and cyber-weaponry that require export licenses from the Israeli Ministry of Defense. For instance, some of Tal Hanan’s disinformation operations were reportedly run through Demoman International, a company registered on the Israeli Defense Ministry’s defense exports website.

This creates a complex dynamic: while the state itself may not be directing the interference to further its own immediate geopolitical goals, it serves as the incubator and regulatory umbrella for the mercenary networks executing the campaigns.

— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Jun 14, 2026

Articles and Tweets

Israel’s Private Election Interference Industry When analyzing the landscape of global election interference, the activity emanating from Israel predominantly takes the form of a highly sophisticated, privatized industry rather than traditional, state-directed operations. The global intelligence market has seen a surge in private cyber-mercenary firms, often staffed by veterans of elite Israeli intelligence and military units (such as Unit 8200 or the Mossad). These organizations essentially privatize advanced tradecraft, selling digital sabotage, open-source intelligence (OSINT) manipulation, and psychological warfare to the highest bidder—blurri

Post author By Mike Nova
Post date June 14, 2026

Israel’s Private Election Interference Industry gemini.google.com/share/24b7…
When analyzing the landscape of global election interference, the activity emanating from Israel predominantly takes the form of a highly sophisticated, privatized industry rather than traditional, state-directed operations.

The global intelligence market has seen a surge in private cyber-mercenary firms, often staffed by veterans of elite Israeli intelligence and military units (such as Unit 8200 or the Mossad). These organizations essentially privatize advanced tradecraft, selling digital sabotage, open-source intelligence (OSINT) manipulation, and psychological warfare to the highest bidder—blurring the lines between state security apparatuses and transnational influence networks.

Here is a breakdown of the most significant recent cases and the operational methods these firms employ.

The 2026 “BlackCore” Operations

In June 2026, France’s disinformation detection agency, Viginum, released a detailed report exposing an Israeli firm known as BlackCore. The firm, which billed itself as an “elite influence, cyber, and technology company,” was identified as the central actor in a series of coordinated digital interference campaigns.

France: BlackCore was initially suspected of orchestrating an online smear campaign during the French municipal elections in March 2026, specifically targeting pro-Palestine candidates from the France Unbowed (LFI) party.
Scotland: The firm targeted Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, and the Scottish National Party (SNP) ahead of the May 2026 elections. Using proxy accounts on X, BlackCore distributed hundreds of coordinated comments to flood posts, ostensibly in response to the SNP’s vocal criticism of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
New York City: Viginum’s report also linked BlackCore to meddling in the 2025 NYC mayoral race, specifically targeting Zohran Mamdani.
Global Reach: The agency noted that the same modus operandi had been deployed in Angola and Togo.

Following the exposure, BlackCore scrubbed its online presence. The Israeli government denied any state-sponsored intent to interfere in French or foreign political processes, stating it would conduct its own inquiry based on the French findings.

The “Team Jorge” Exposé (2023)

Before BlackCore, the most expansive look into this privatized industry came in 2023, when a consortium of investigative journalists (including Forbidden Stories and The Guardian) exposed a unit dubbed “Team Jorge.” The group was led by Tal Hanan, a former Israeli special forces operative.

Hanan claimed his unit had covertly intervened in 33 presidential-level elections globally, boasting a success rate of 27. The investigation revealed the specific mechanics of modern information warfare:

AIMS Software: Team Jorge utilized a proprietary tool called Advanced Impact Media Solutions (AIMS) to automate and control over 30,000 fictitious social media profiles across platforms like X, Telegram, and Facebook. Each avatar had a multifaceted digital backstory, complete with credit cards and Amazon accounts, designed to bypass traditional platform security bottlenecks.
Hacking and Sabotage: Beyond bot networks, the team demonstrated the ability to hack into the Gmail and Telegram accounts of senior political aides (such as those in Kenya’s 2022 election) to gather intelligence or deploy sabotage.
Corporate Partnerships: The investigation revealed that Team Jorge had previously collaborated with the UK-based firm Cambridge Analytica to manipulate the 2015 Nigerian presidential election, highlighting how these decentralized networks operate transactionally across borders.

The Gray Area of State Culpability

While the Israeli government consistently denies officially commissioning these election interference operations, the distinction between private enterprise and state capability is heavily scrutinized.

These firms thrive because they can offer plausible deniability to their clients, which range from foreign governments and intelligence agencies to private corporations and political rivals. However, many of these operations rely on software and cyber-weaponry that require export licenses from the Israeli Ministry of Defense. For instance, some of Tal Hanan’s disinformation operations were reportedly run through Demoman International, a company registered on the Israeli Defense Ministry’s defense exports website.

This creates a complex dynamic: while the state itself may not be directing the interference to further its own immediate geopolitical goals, it serves as the incubator and regulatory umbrella for the mercenary networks executing the campaigns.

— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Jun 14, 2026

Articles and Tweets

Israel’s Private Election Interference Industry

Post author By Mike Nova
Post date June 14, 2026

Israel’s Private Election Interference Industry gemini.google.com/share/24b7…

— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Jun 14, 2026

Articles and Tweets

Reports of IDF infrastructure failures and allegations of election interference

Post author By Mike Nova
Post date June 14, 2026

Reports of IDF infrastructure failures and allegations of election interference

Summary

AI Brief: https://rss.app/brief/posts/a0db0068dd8197d0668ad43e4293a9e0

Recent developments reveal systemic weaknesses in military logistics, governance, and intelligence integrity across multiple nations. A classified Israeli defense system highlights advancements in state capabilities, while reports of IDF infrastructure failures and allegations of election interference (https://share.google/aimode/M6FHAApiGu7NSsFJO) suggest deeper institutional fragility. Broader geopolitical shifts may indicate a rebalancing of power in the Middle East and beyond.

Key Stories

Israel awards classified system to Mossad, IAI, and IAF for capability expansion — President Herzog recognized a classified system developed by Mossad, Israel Aerospace Industries, and the Israeli Air Force, signaling a significant upgrade in national security infrastructure. The project underscores Israel’s focus on advancing covert operational capacities amid regional tensions.

IDF logistics failure exposes sanitary crisis for returning Golani Brigade soldiers — Approximately 200 soldiers from the Golani Brigade faced degrading conditions at Yiftach camp due to non-functional essential facilities, raising health and morale concerns. The incident may indicate broader logistical or resource allocation challenges within the IDF.

Allegations surface of U.S. intelligence override on Russian election interference claims — Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, asserted that U.S. intelligence agencies repeatedly concluded Russia could not hack elections, only for findings to be overridden by the Obama administration. The claim suggests potential politicization of intelligence and erosion of institutional trust.

Geopolitical shifts point to Iran’s rising influence in Middle East peace deal — Reports of a Gulf peace agreement framed as an Iranian triumph and a U.S.-Israeli setback, combined with developments in Ukraine, suggest a rapid reconfiguration of global power dynamics. The analysis implies Western strategic missteps and a potential decline in influence.

Global leaders accused of prioritizing power consolidation over governance — Criticism of leaders in Hungary, Spain, Turkey, Israel, Russia, and the U.S. centers on allegations of deliberate state enfeeblement to maintain control. The pattern may reflect a broader trend of democratic backsliding and institutional decay in multiple regions.

AI Mode: Reports of IDF infrastructure failures and allegations of election interference

https://share.google/aimode/SWLrdoo2GUx8oB7Oq

Recent developments feature two highly distinct issues: state-level investigations into systematic IDF defense infrastructure gaps alongside technical malfunctions, and global probes into a private Israeli cyber firm accused of widespread election interference. [1, 2, 3]

🏛️ IDF Infrastructure Failures and Gaps

Official audits and active operational reports point to multiple structural and technical vulnerabilities within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the broader defense apparatus: [2]

Failure to Protect National Infrastructure: An official review by State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman revealed that the Defense Ministry, National Security Council, and the IDF systematically failed to advance nationwide plans to fortify critical facilities against missile and rocket threats. The report noted a severe lack of mapped facilities, missing multi-year budgets, and a continuous delay in addressing cybersecurity shortcomings. [2, 4]
Automated Radar and Air Raid Siren Malfunctions: The Home Front Command has initiated internal audits into its automated radar networks. The investigation follows repeated technical failures where sequential “false identifications” triggered mass, high-urgency air raid sirens across border settlements, creating widespread civilian panic and concerns over alert complacency. [1]
Cyber Gaps and Lack of Emergency Drills: The national security apparatus has been flagged for missing vital defensive exercises, including failing to run a comprehensive national cyber drill for six consecutive years prior to the outbreak of major hostilities. [5]

🗳️ Allegations of Israeli Election Interference

The primary allegations regarding election interference do not stem directly from the IDF, but rather from private, covert Israeli cyber-intelligence and corporate firms targeting democratic processes worldwide: [3, 6]

                       ┌──────────────────────────────┐
                       │   Israeli Cyber Firm         │
                       │   "BLACKCORE"                │
                       └──────────────┬───────────────┘
                                      │
         ┌────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────┐
         ▼                            ▼                            ▼
┌─────────────────┐          ┌─────────────────┐          ┌─────────────────┐
│     FRANCE      │          │     SCOTLAND    │          │    NEW YORK     │
│ Municipal Votes │          │ First Minister  │          │ Municipal Race  │
│  (March 2026)   │          │  John Swinney   │          │     (2025)      │
└─────────────────┘          └─────────────────┘          └─────────────────┘

The BlackCore Investigations (June 2026): France’s disinformation watchdog, Viginum, alongside Paris prosecutors and the domestic intelligence agency, opened formal probes into a self-described elite Israeli cyber-intelligence firm known as BlackCore. [3, 7, 8]
Smear Campaigns and Hacking Operations: BlackCore is accused of running sophisticated, foreign digital interference operations. This included orchestrating an extensive online smear campaign involving fake campaign visuals and identity manipulation against progressive, far-left political figures during France’s local municipal elections. [3, 7, 8]
Global Footprint: French intelligence stated that BlackCore’s election-meddling footprint extends far beyond France, with documented interference operations targeting the 2025 municipal elections in New York City, the political leadership in Scotland (specifically targeting First Minister John Swinney), as well as national political campaigns in Angola and Togo. [3, 6, 9]
Government Stance: French authorities emphasized there is no current indication that the official Israeli government was involved in or commissioned BlackCore’s operations. The Israeli embassy in Paris similarly stated that Israel has no intention of interfering in foreign political processes and is awaiting formal technical details to launch its own internal inquiry. [7, 9]

[1] https://www.instagram.com

[2] https://www.ynetnews.com

[3] https://www.middleeasteye.net

[4] https://www.haaretz.com

[5] https://www.jpost.com

[6] https://www.youtube.com

[7] https://www.timesofisrael.com

[8] https://www.instagram.com

[9] https://caliber.az

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Allegations of Israeli Election Interference

https://share.google/aimode/7Hic1HS2EsnYrYAYs

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Israeli Election Interference

https://share.google/aimode/AIZ8eTQh7fiUo1V7I

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Israeli Election Interference in New York, the US Presidential Elections, and worldwide

https://share.google/aimode/GihGjQP5bUH9VY4oo

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Israeli firm BlackCore suspected of meddling in New York

https://share.google/aimode/Vm2pYIG4HNrp9vQsM

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Israel’s interference in the US Presidential Elections of 2016 and 2024

https://gemini.google.com/share/6c80175de55f

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Israel’s interference in the Elections worldwide

https://share.google/aimode/ZquLnkyjVFaccoR4R

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Articles and Tweets

Israel’s interference in the Elections worldwide https://share.google/aimode/ZquLnkyjVFaccoR4R Reports of global election interference involving entities based in Israel center primarily on private cyber-intelligence and disinformation firms rather than d

Post author By Mike Nova
Post date June 14, 2026

Israel’s interference in the Elections worldwide
share.google/aimode/ZquLnkyj…
Reports of global election interference involving entities based in Israel center primarily on private cyber-intelligence and disinformation firms rather than documented operations by the Israeli state itself. International investigations and government watchdogs have exposed several private Israeli companies selling digital manipulation and psychological warfare services to foreign clients. [1, 2, 3]
The BlackCore Investigations (2026)
In June 2026, France’s disinformation detection service, Viginum, published a comprehensive report implicating the Israeli cyber-influence firm BlackCore in several recent international elections. [4]

France: The firm orchestrated an online smear campaign targeting three mayoral candidates from the left-wing, pro-Palestine La France Insoumise (LFI) party. The campaign utilized deceptive websites and AI-generated social media bots to spread false criminal allegations. [4, 5, 6]
Scotland: BlackCore deployed coordinated networks of fake proxy accounts to target First Minister John Swinney, the Scottish National Party (SNP), and the Scottish government. The operation intensified after Swinney made public remarks critical of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. [7, 8, 9]
United States: The firm was flagged for conducting digital interference operations during the 2025 municipal and mayoral elections in New York City. [5, 7]
Africa: Viginum identified active, parallel interference pipelines run by BlackCore targeting electoral processes in Angola and Togo. [2, 4]

The French government formally requested explanations and investigative assistance from Israel regarding BlackCore’s actions. In response, the Israeli embassy in Paris stated that the Israeli state had “no intention of interfering” in foreign elections and would launch its own review once it received France’s data. Before scrubbing its digital footprint, BlackCore publicly marketed itself as an elite “information warfare” firm built to “shape narratives” for political campaigns. [2, 5, 9, 10]
The “Team Jorge” Exposé (2023)
A major international media investigation led by the journalism consortium Forbidden Stories exposed a covert unit of Israeli contractors dubbed “Team Jorge,” run by Tal Hanan, a former Israeli special forces operative. [3]

Scale of Operations: Hanan boasted to undercover reporters that his team had covertly manipulated more than 30 presidential and legislative-level elections worldwide, claiming a 70% success rate. [3, 11]
Methods: The group utilized a proprietary software platform called Advanced Impact Media Solutions (AIMS). This tool controlled an army of over 30,000 highly realistic fake profiles across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn, complete with long-standing digital backstories and linked credit cards. [3, 11, 12]
Targeted Regions: Documented interventions included hacking senior political figures and running bot-driven automated disinformation campaigns across Africa (Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya), Europe, and Central/South America. The investigation revealed they had also historically collaborated with the defunct political consultancy Cambridge Analytica. [3, 11]

Other Private Corporate Actors
Beyond BlackCore and Team Jorge, other private Israeli corporate intelligence firms have faced scrutiny for intersecting with foreign political landscapes: [3]

Black Cube: This private intelligence agency, composed largely of former Israeli security and intelligence veterans, has repeatedly faced accusations of conducting corporate and political espionage. In Eastern Europe, investigations linked the firm’s private operations to efforts aimed at discrediting specific political figures ahead of national elections. [13]
Psy-Group: This now-defunct private Israeli psychological warfare company was investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice during the late 2010s regarding proposals it drafted to use social media manipulation to influence U.S. political campaigns.

While these private entities frequently employ veterans of Israel’s military intelligence and cyber divisions, international investigative bodies emphasize that they operate as private mercenaries for hire. Their motivations are primarily commercial, serving whatever foreign political candidate, billionaire, or intelligence service pays their fees, rather than advancing a unified state agenda. [3, 7, 10]

[1] theguardian.com
[2] silicon.co.uk
[3] facebook.com
[4] reuters.com
[5] middleeasteye.net
[6] politico.eu
[7] theguardian.com
[8] bbc.com
[9] english.aawsat.com
[10] timesofisrael.com
[11] facebook.com
[12] facebook.com
[13] europeancorrespondent.com

— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Jun 14, 2026

Articles and Tweets

Israel’s interference in the Elections worldwide Reports of global election interference involving entities based in Israel center primarily on private cyber-intelligence and disinformation firms rather than documented operations by the Israeli state itself. International investigations and government watchdogs have exposed several private Israeli companies selling digital manipulation and psychological warfare services to foreign clients. [1, 2, 3] The BlackCore Investigations (2026) In June 2026, France’s disinformation detection service, Viginum, published a comprehensive report implicating the Israeli cyber-influence firm BlackCore in several

Post author By Mike Nova
Post date June 14, 2026

Israel’s interference in the Elections worldwide
share.google/aimode/ZquLnkyj…
Reports of global election interference involving entities based in Israel center primarily on private cyber-intelligence and disinformation firms rather than documented operations by the Israeli state itself. International investigations and government watchdogs have exposed several private Israeli companies selling digital manipulation and psychological warfare services to foreign clients. [1, 2, 3]
The BlackCore Investigations (2026)
In June 2026, France’s disinformation detection service, Viginum, published a comprehensive report implicating the Israeli cyber-influence firm BlackCore in several recent international elections. [4]

France: The firm orchestrated an online smear campaign targeting three mayoral candidates from the left-wing, pro-Palestine La France Insoumise (LFI) party. The campaign utilized deceptive websites and AI-generated social media bots to spread false criminal allegations. [4, 5, 6]
Scotland: BlackCore deployed coordinated networks of fake proxy accounts to target First Minister John Swinney, the Scottish National Party (SNP), and the Scottish government. The operation intensified after Swinney made public remarks critical of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. [7, 8, 9]
United States: The firm was flagged for conducting digital interference operations during the 2025 municipal and mayoral elections in New York City. [5, 7]
Africa: Viginum identified active, parallel interference pipelines run by BlackCore targeting electoral processes in Angola and Togo. [2, 4]

The French government formally requested explanations and investigative assistance from Israel regarding BlackCore’s actions. In response, the Israeli embassy in Paris stated that the Israeli state had “no intention of interfering” in foreign elections and would launch its own review once it received France’s data. Before scrubbing its digital footprint, BlackCore publicly marketed itself as an elite “information warfare” firm built to “shape narratives” for political campaigns. [2, 5, 9, 10]
The “Team Jorge” Exposé (2023)
A major international media investigation led by the journalism consortium Forbidden Stories exposed a covert unit of Israeli contractors dubbed “Team Jorge,” run by Tal Hanan, a former Israeli special forces operative. [3]

Scale of Operations: Hanan boasted to undercover reporters that his team had covertly manipulated more than 30 presidential and legislative-level elections worldwide, claiming a 70% success rate. [3, 11]
Methods: The group utilized a proprietary software platform called Advanced Impact Media Solutions (AIMS). This tool controlled an army of over 30,000 highly realistic fake profiles across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn, complete with long-standing digital backstories and linked credit cards. [3, 11, 12]
Targeted Regions: Documented interventions included hacking senior political figures and running bot-driven automated disinformation campaigns across Africa (Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya), Europe, and Central/South America. The investigation revealed they had also historically collaborated with the defunct political consultancy Cambridge Analytica. [3, 11]

Other Private Corporate Actors
Beyond BlackCore and Team Jorge, other private Israeli corporate intelligence firms have faced scrutiny for intersecting with foreign political landscapes: [3]

Black Cube: This private intelligence agency, composed largely of former Israeli security and intelligence veterans, has repeatedly faced accusations of conducting corporate and political espionage. In Eastern Europe, investigations linked the firm’s private operations to efforts aimed at discrediting specific political figures ahead of national elections. [13]
Psy-Group: This now-defunct private Israeli psychological warfare company was investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice during the late 2010s regarding proposals it drafted to use social media manipulation to influence U.S. political campaigns.

While these private entities frequently employ veterans of Israel’s military intelligence and cyber divisions, international investigative bodies emphasize that they operate as private mercenaries for hire. Their motivations are primarily commercial, serving whatever foreign political candidate, billionaire, or intelligence service pays their fees, rather than advancing a unified state agenda. [3, 7, 10]

[1] theguardian.com
[2] silicon.co.uk
[3] facebook.com
[4] reuters.com
[5] middleeasteye.net
[6] politico.eu
[7] theguardian.com
[8] bbc.com
[9] english.aawsat.com
[10] timesofisrael.com
[11] facebook.com
[12] facebook.com
[13] europeancorrespondent.com

— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Jun 14, 2026

Articles and Tweets

Middle East Tensions Escalate as AI Reshapes Information Access

Post author By Mike Nova
Post date June 14, 2026

Summary

A potential US-Israel-Iran conflict dominates headlines, with reports of military strikes, nuclear threats, and diplomatic negotiations. Meanwhile, Google’s AI-driven search overhaul raises questions about how users learn, research, and trust information in an era of algorithmic curation. These developments suggest accelerating shifts in both geopolitical power dynamics and digital knowledge ecosystems.

Key Stories

US-Israel launch joint strikes on Iranian nuclear sites amid escalating war — Reports confirm coordinated military actions targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and missile launchers, with leaders vowing to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The strikes mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, drawing global attention to regional stability and nuclear proliferation risks.

Trump announces imminent Iran deal after naval blockade and military operations — US President Donald Trump declared major combat operations against Iran concluded, with a diplomatic agreement expected to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement follows weeks of joint US-Israeli strikes and suggests a potential shift from military confrontation to negotiated outcomes.

Google’s AI search overhaul transforms how users discover and trust information — Google’s integration of AI into search results is altering traditional research methods, raising concerns about source transparency and the reliability of algorithmically curated knowledge. The changes may accelerate the decline of direct website traffic while increasing dependence on platform-controlled information ecosystems.

Middle East news outlets expand real-time coverage amid regional conflict — Major news organizations like Al Jazeera, BBC, and CNN are prioritizing live updates, fact-based reporting, and multimedia content to cover the US-Israel-Iran war. The shift reflects growing demand for immediate, verifiable information during geopolitical crises.

Geographic and political mapping tools surge as Middle East conflict intensifies — Online resources providing detailed maps, country lists, and historical context for the Middle East are experiencing increased traffic. The trend suggests users are seeking deeper understanding of the region’s complex borders and alliances during the current crisis.