Official statements from Israeli or Hamas sources, or reputable international news agencies

Israeli Intelligence Tracks Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh via WhatsApp Spyware, Enables Drone Strike

Aug 1, 2024, 03:24 AM

Israeli intelligence successfully tracked Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh using sophisticated spyware deployed through a WhatsApp message. The spyware allowed Israeli forces to pinpoint Haniyeh's exact location, reportedly enabling them to conduct a drone strike. This operation highlights Israel's advanced cyber capabilities and its use of technology in intelligence operations. The spyware used is believed to be the NSO Group's Pegasus software, which has been previously associated with high-profile surveillance activities. Lebanese journalist Elia Manier and former CIA officer Philip Giraldi have commented on the incident, raising concerns about the security of communication apps like WhatsApp, which is owned by Meta.