In the international context, Israel has established itself over recent decades as one of the leading actors in the digital realm. This position is shaped by historical security doctrines, institutional innovation and a close integration of state, military, industry and research, which together enable Israel not only to defend against cyber threats but also to project power proactively in cyberspace.
Cyber espionage as a strategic instrument
A core pillar of Israel’s cyber capabilities is information gathering. The most prominent organization in this context is Unit 8200, the largest unit within the Israeli Defense Forces dedicated to SIGINT, or signals intelligence. Its origins date back to pre-state intelligence structures and over time it has evolved into a highly specialized body, often compared to the NSA. Unit 8200 plays a key role in collecting electronic data, intercepting and decrypting foreign communications channels, and developing customized cyber tools for offensive operations.
Known examples suggest that Israel has been a pioneer in the development and deployment of cyber weapons. The most widely cited operation is Stuxnet — a computer worm developed jointly with the United States that physically sabotaged Iran’s nuclear program by destroying centrifuges. Similar operations have been discussed in connection with attacks on Syrian nuclear facilities and Iranian ports.
Beyond military contexts, espionage also plays an increasing role in the economic sphere. Israel itself is both a target and a source of industrial cyber espionage. Given its dense innovation landscape and the high share of knowledge-based exports, industrial espionage represents a real threat, which can be state-sponsored or initiated by private actors.
Cyber warfare: an integrated domain of operations
Strategically, the integration of cyberspace as an independent domain of operations has shaped Israel’s military thinking since the early 2000s. The Israeli armed forces view digital operations as a complement to traditional domains such as land, air and sea. Outwardly, Israel’s doctrine is oriented towards prevention, deterrence and operational superiority. Internally, it aims for high resilience and rapid response capability to attacks on critical infrastructure.
The close interlinkage of cyber attacks with conventional military operations is frequently observable. For example, during conflicts in Gaza, massive DDoS and disinformation campaigns were registered — partly targeting Israel, partly conducted by Israeli actors against enemy networks. The military systematically expands these capabilities; with the establishment of a dedicated cyber command, an organizational framework has been created for this purpose.
In view of my work in the field of cybercrime & cybersecurity, I also deal with the topics of international hacking, cyberwar & disinformation out of my own interest. For years, I have spent a lot of time reading freely available research papers and dossiers, for example from ETH Zurich, BfVS, BND & other ministries – but also from the CIA, EU Parliament & NATO. I am by no means an expert, the articles here on the website, especially in the context of “International Hacking” and “Cyberwar”, are simply the result of the working methods described.
Note: In my professional publication “Cyberwar, Hackbacks und Disinformation – Juristische und technische Implikationen unklarer Begriffe”, published by Juris in AnwZert ITR 3/2025, I get to the bottom of the issues surrounding cyberwar from a legal perspective.
Cybersecurity as a national asset
While the offensive sector is well documented, Israel’s defensive infrastructure is considered equally advanced. The Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD) serves as a central agency coordinating civilian, military and private actors. Its mission is to protect critical infrastructures, counter complex attacks and foster an innovation-friendly climate that also serves as an economic engine for the country.
A hallmark of this system is the close collaboration between government, universities and start-ups. Research centers at leading universities, national initiatives to nurture talent and international partnerships form a network that links security requirements with economic interests. Israel views the commercial exploitation of cyber expertise as a strategic tool to reduce geopolitical dependencies and strengthen its global position.
State hackers at a glance
The most significant international actors include state actors from Russia, China and Iran. These countries use various tactics to promote their geopolitical interests and undermine the stability of European democracies. At this point, it should be recognized that cyber diplomacy, which has been underestimated to date, is also of particular importance.
In addition to the main actors named below, there are also other countries and non-state actors that attempt to influence elections in Europe. These include, for example, groups acting on behalf of governments or in their own interests to advance certain political agendas. These actors use a variety of methods, including cyberattacks, disinformation, economic pressure and diplomatic maneuvers to achieve their goals. The European Union and its Member States face the challenge of recognizing and countering these threats in order to protect the integrity of their democratic processes. In the meantime, we have also published a separate article on Israel’s cyber capabilities.
Russia
Russia is known for its extensive disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks aimed at weakening trust in democratic processes. Some of the best-known examples include influencing the 2016 US elections and attempts to influence the Brexit vote. Russian actors often use social media platforms to spread false information and deepen social divisions.
China
China is increasingly relying on cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns to expand its influence in Europe. Chinese hacker groups are known for conducting industrial espionage and stealing sensitive information that can then be used to influence political decisions. China is also trying to manipulate public opinion in Europe by spreading pro-Chinese narratives in the media.
Iran
Iranian actors also use disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks to pursue their geopolitical goals. These campaigns are often aimed at destabilizing the policies of the US and its allies in Europe. Iranian hacker groups use similar techniques to their Russian and Chinese counterparts.
North Korea
North Korea is another international actor trying to influence elections and political processes worldwide, including in Europe, through cyber activities. While North Korea is less of a focus compared to Russia, China and Iran, there is still significant activity emanating from North Korean actors. North Korea also uses disinformation to further its geopolitical goals and foment political unrest. While there are fewer documented cases of direct election interference by North Korea, the regime still uses cyber operations to exert political pressure and protect its interests, for example by publishing compromising information about political candidates or spreading propaganda.
Hacker groups and the grey area
Israel’s clear institutional structure does not mean that all cyber activities are centrally orchestrated. Several informal groups have been known to emerge from networks of former soldiers or civilian security professionals. These actors often operate in a grey area between state-sanctioned missions and independent initiatives. Reports of involvement in targeted hacktivism campaigns against hostile states or organizations illustrate that Israel’s cyber ecosystem is not only shaped by formal command structures but also by a culture of individual initiative and collective loyalty.
Conclusion
Israel’s cyber power is the result of decades of intertwining security-focused statecraft, pragmatic technology policy and an open innovation environment. Cyber espionage, cyber warfare and cybersecurity are not isolated disciplines but deeply interconnected. For Israel, the digital realm is as real a frontline as its physical borders — and at the same time one of its most lucrative sources of exports. Many observers regard this model as an example of how small states can transform vulnerability into a source of strategic strength in the digital age, without abandoning conventional security principles.
Our law firm specialises in criminal defence, white-collar crime and IT law / technology law. Note our activity in digital evidence in IT security and software law.
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