Hackers attacked an Israeli newspaper’s website Monday to mark the 2020 anniversary of the death of a distinguished Iranian general. They replaced its content with an image that threatened an Israeli site related to the undeclared nuclear weapon program.
The image, posted by the Jerusalem Post, depicted an attack from a weapon bearing a ring that was long associated with Qassem Solimani, the Iranian general who died in a U.S.-led drone strike in Iraq on Monday.
This image featured an explosion target that was part of a recently conducted Iranian military drill. It is similar to the Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Center in Dimona.
This facility already houses underground laboratories with decades-old history that process spent rods from the reactor to produce weapon-grade plutonium.
Israel’s Jerusalem Post newspaper reported on Monday that the website of its site had been compromised in what they called an apparent threat.
Website displayed an illustration, rather than a news page. This appeared to remind Qassem Soleimani of being assassinated.
Israel’s policy of nuclear uncertainty does not confirm nor denial the existence of atomic weapons.
Jerusalem Post tweeted that hackers had been identified and acknowledged their involvement.
English-language paper said that it was aware of an apparent hacking attack on its website. It also warned of a possible threat to Israel. ‘We are working to resolve the issue & thank readers for your patience and understanding.’
No immediate reaction was received by the Israeli government. The hack comes after Israel´s former military intelligence chief in late December publicly acknowledged his country was involved in Soleimani’s killing.
Soleimani was shot to death in a drone attack in Iraq by the United States on this date in 2020
The wreckage of vehicles is seen at the Baghdad Airport, Baghdad (Iraq), January 2, 2022, on the 2nd anniversary of General Qassem Soleimani’s death and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the leader of Iraqi militia, were killed in an attack by the U.S. drones.
Soleimani became famous by advising the forces in Syria and Iraq against the Islamic State group.
Iran did not acknowledge the hacking incident on Monday. In recent days, Iran has increased its tributes to the Revolutionary Guard commander who died in an attack. His death was to be commemorated by a Monday memorial service.
Soleimani, as the Quds Force of the Revolutionary Guard or Jerusalem Force of the Revolutionary Guard head, led all of the company’s expeditionary forces. She frequently traveled between Syria and Lebanon.
Quds Force members have deployed into Syria´s long war to support President Bashar Assad, as well as into Iraq in the wake of the 2003 U.S. invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, a longtime foe of Tehran.
Soleimani became famous by advising the forces against the Islamic State group, in Iraq, and Syria for embattled Assad.
Officials from the United States claim that the Guard of Soleimani instructed the militants in Iraq how to make and use roadside bombs, which were particularly deadly against U.S. troops following the invasion. Iran denies that.
Soleimani is still a popular figure among Iranians who consider him a hero for fighting Iran’s enemies overseas.
Mourners attend the funeral of Qassem Solimani (62), who died in an American airstrike in January 2019.
An event is being held in Baghdad International Airport to commemorate the 2nd anniversary of Qasem Solimani’s death as Quds Force Commander of Iranian Revolutionary Guards.
Qasem Solimani in a photo from Monday’s funeral