Israel Police Combat Election Interference by Domestic Bots

Israel's police cybercrime unit, "Matspen," is actively working to counter domestic bots and fake accounts aimed at disrupting the upcoming Knesset elections. While Israeli intelligence agencies monitor foreign interference, "Matspen" focuses on identifying and removing malicious content and fabricated profiles from social media platforms. The unit, part of the police's intelligence and cybercrime division, specializes in detecting incitement to violence and terror against Israel. On October 25, police announced the removal of two groups engaged in prohibited election-related activities on X and Facebook. The Yashar party, led by Gadi Eisenkot, filed a complaint that day regarding fake messages being distributed in its name. Police explained that perpetrators use sophisticated methods, including creating fake user profiles, spreading false messages, and generating AI-powered videos to manipulate voters, often by discrediting candidates they claim to support. Bots are particularly active in comment sections, flooding political posts with overwhelmingly negative or positive responses. Police advise the public to approach all social media election campaigning with skepticism, as slogans may be fabricated to illegally influence voters. Despite ongoing efforts, police acknowledge they cannot identify most bot operators, emphasizing that severe penalties, including hefty fines and imprisonment, are necessary to deter offenders. Creating fake profiles or operating bots to illegally influence public opinion is a criminal offense under Israeli law, classified as impersonation and intentional falsification. A senior "Matspen" official told Ynet that the unit has been monitoring election integrity for six months, working around the clock to detect and prevent criminal attempts to compromise or promote parties. The workload is expected to peak on election day, October 27, with continuous efforts to stop smear campaigns and fake news until polls close. The unit collaborates with the state prosecutor's cybercrime division to request the removal of illicit profiles and groups from platforms like X, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.