Israeli State Comptroller Criticizes Government for Neglecting Foreign Influence Operations Ahead of Elections

The Israeli government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have been severely criticized by the State Comptroller for neglecting the threat of foreign influence operations online, leaving Israeli citizens vulnerable to campaigns by hostile states like Iran. The report, published on Tuesday, highlights years of ignored warnings from security and intelligence agencies, including the Shin Bet and National Cyber Directorate, and points to a lack of coordinated national policy or leadership on the issue. The Comptroller specifically condemns Netanyahu and the political echelon for disregarding alerts and action plans, and for delegating responsibility to then-Intelligence Minister Gila Gamliel, whose office failed to adequately address the threat.

The report details how foreign influence efforts, many linked to Iran, have sought to undermine Israel’s government and social cohesion, especially following the October 7 massacre. It notes early detection of Iranian campaigns promoting narratives of genocide in Gaza and influence networks aiming to end the Gaza conflict on terms favorable to Hamas. The Comptroller warns that the upcoming Israeli elections, expected to be highly contentious, could be exploited by foreign actors to distort public perception and election outcomes, potentially eroding public trust in democratic processes.

Between July 2024 and January 2026, the Comptroller audited multiple government bodies, including the Prime Minister’s Office, National Security Council, Shin Bet, Cyber Directorate, and Central Elections Committee. The findings reveal that despite early warnings dating back to 2017 and initial interagency efforts, no comprehensive national strategy was developed. The National Security Council, under Netanyahu appointee Meir Ben Shabat, failed to advance coordination or policy, and only resumed discussions in 2022 under a different government.

A cyber defense plan presented to Netanyahu in 2024 was never approved or funded, and the Cyber Directorate’s efforts diminished after leadership changes in 2025. The report also highlights ongoing challenges faced by the Shin Bet in monitoring and countering foreign influence, with incomplete situational awareness and difficulties in assessing the full scope of the threat. Regulatory efforts to manage content on social media platforms have stalled, and public education initiatives on misinformation remain limited and optional.

The Comptroller stresses the urgency of addressing these gaps ahead of the elections, noting that the Central Elections Committee identified risks including undermining voter confidence, spreading false information about voting procedures, and manipulating voter choices through disinformation. Despite these risks, preparations to counter foreign influence in the electoral context only began in early 2025. The report concludes that without a clear national directive and interagency leadership, Israel remains exposed to foreign influence operations, especially during times of crisis, war, and political instability.