Iranian hackers threaten the meeting between Netanyahu and Trump in Washington

The Khandala hacker organization is a cyber group affiliated with Iran and the axis of proxy organizations acting on its behalf. In recent years, he has often posted on social media claims about hacking, obtaining sensitive information and possessing embarrassing materials, mainly against Israeli targets.

As mentioned, the organization tweeted hints instead of statements: the tweet opened with the phrase “Flight BB Gate” which can be interpreted as a deliberate play on words. BB is a common nickname for Netanyahu, and Gate is used in the international discourse as an allusion to an affair or scandal. The possible meaning is linking the Prime Minister’s flight to a problematic or sensitive context, without specifying what it is about.

Later it is written “rises above the clouds” – a phrase that implies an actual physical flight. Executive flights are a common motif for hostile cyber organizations, because they combine complex security systems, encrypted communications and broad public interest. The very mention of the flight allows the organization to insert its message into the public discourse without declaring a clear intention.

A sting to the layers of protection: “Layers of protection tighten”, is seen as an allusion to the multi-layered security system around the Prime Minister. The wording does not claim that the defense has been breached, but places an implicit question mark about the effectiveness of the layers of defense. Later on appears the sentence “sometimes, secrets take flight too”, which expands the hint. Not only people fly, but also secrets, documents or digital information, at least on a metaphorical level.

The mention of “leaving trails only the most attentive can see” corresponds with concepts from the world of metadata and digital logs. This is a hint of traces that are not visible to the general public, but to those who are familiar with information systems and know where to look.

Personal appeal and time pressure: Towards the end, a direct appeal appears, “And Bibi, it seems you’re carrying some rather interesting souvenirs with you this time”. The term “souvenirs” is used here as a general metaphor for sensitive or embarrassing information, without specifying its content. The ambiguity allows many interpretations and strengthens the psychological effect of the message.

The signature “Tik Tok… Tik Tok” is a familiar element in these types of messages. It conveys a countdown and time pressure, even without specifying a date or expected action. The use of this phrase is intended to leave the reader in a state of expectation for the continuation.

In a broader context, Khandela has previously published allegations of hacking into Naftali Bennett’s cell phone, as part of a pattern of publications based on insinuations and ambiguity. Even in the current case, the tweet does not provide concrete information, but relies on sophisticated wording that leaves the meaning open to interpretation.