Cyberattacks Attributed to Iran Against Israel Surge in 2026, Officials Report

By: Harsh Vardhan

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Updated on: 29-Jun-2026 06:00 PM

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Cyberattacks attributed to Iran against Israel have increased sharply over the past year, according to Israeli officials. The rise in incidents coincides with ongoing military tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran. Israeli authorities recorded thousands of cyber incidents in June 2026, marking a significant escalation compared to previous years.

Key Highlights

• Cyberattacks attributed to Iran against Israel rose from 1,600 in June 2025 to 4,800 in June 2026.
• Targets included critical infrastructure, businesses, and individuals according to Israeli officials.
• Artificial intelligence tools reportedly used to develop malware and create fake online identities.
• Phishing emails and messages allegedly invited recipients to collaborate with Iranian intelligence.
• Iran also accused of running online influence campaigns targeting the US and Israel.

Cyberattack Incidents Rise Sharply

Yossi Karadi, Director General of Israel's National Cyber Directorate, reported that around 1,600 hostile cyber incidents were recorded during Israeli military operations against Iran in June 2025. By June 2026, this number had risen to approximately 4,800 incidents. Karadi shared these figures in an interview with the German newspaper Die Welt.

Karadi stated that the cyberattacks targeted a wide range of entities. These included Israel's critical infrastructure, central organisations, small and medium-sized businesses, and members of the public. Law firms and accounting firms were among the smaller organisations affected. Karadi emphasized that, so far, Israeli authorities have managed to prevent successful attacks on critical infrastructure.

He noted, "Some groups are very skilled. We can handle them, but we have to take them seriously. Unlike in the kinetic realm, there's no ceasefire in cyberspace."

AI Tools Increase Attack Sophistication

Recent reports indicate that attackers are using artificial intelligence to make cyberattacks more sophisticated. According to the Financial Times, Iranian operators have used AI programs such as ChatGPT and Gemini to develop malware, craft phishing messages in Hebrew and Arabic, and create fake online identities. These AI-generated identities are used to build trust with potential targets in the US and Israel.

Attackers reportedly engage in conversations under false personas, encouraging victims to lower their guard before sending malicious links or requests. Israel has faced waves of phishing emails and text messages, some of which allegedly invite recipients to collaborate with Iranian intelligence.

Online Influence Campaigns Reported

In addition to hacking, Iran has also been accused of conducting online influence campaigns. Previous reports have described animated videos and other content aimed at US President Donald Trump and the United States. These campaigns are part of a broader effort to influence public opinion and disrupt adversaries online.

Iran typically denies involvement in hacking campaigns against other countries, while also reporting cyberattacks targeting its own systems.