Pro-Iranian hackers target Israeli newspaper on Soleimani assassination anniversary

The Jerusalem Post reported that its website was hacked by a pro-Iranian entity early Monday morning, on the anniversary of the U.S. assassination of Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani.

For about two hours, the website showed an image of a model Dimona nuclear facility being blown up with a message saying, “we are close to you where you do not think about it,” the newspaper reported.

The image also depicted a fist bearing a ring associated with Soleimani, according to the Associated Press. 

“We are aware of the apparent hacking of our website, alongside a direct threat of Israel. We are working to resolve the issue & thank readers for your patience and understanding,” the Jerusalem Post said in a tweet at 7:30 p.m. eastern standard time. 

The same image reportedly appeared on the Twitter account of Maariv, another Israeli newspaper that was hacked, according to the Post. 

The Post added that it was not clear if the hackers were Iranian, from outside the country or perhaps state-sponsored.

In May 2020, the Post said it was the subject of another pro-Iranian attack when hackers posted an image of Tel Aviv burning and Benjamin Netanyahu, the then-prime minister, swimming for a life preserver. Alongside that image was the message, “Be ready for a big surprise.” 

The more recent hacking came after the second anniversary of the assassination of Soleimani, longtime commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s elite Quds Force. 

On Saturday, thousands of people gathered in Baghdad to protest against the U.S. on the anniversary of Soleimani’s death, chanting “Death to America” and demanding an end to what they called U.S. terrorism. The crowds also called for the expulsion of the remaining American forces in Iraq.