Israeli Cyber Company BlackCore Exposed for Election Interference in Multiple Countries
French investigators say BlackCore ran smear campaigns against pro-Palestine candidates and interfered in elections across multiple countries.
France, PUREWILAYAH.COM — French authorities have expanded an investigation into an Israeli cyber influence company accused of interfering in elections and targeting pro-Palestine political figures, with officials alleging that its activities extended beyond France to several countries across Europe, Africa, and the United States.
The allegations center on BlackCore, an Israeli cyber and influence operations firm that French officials say may have played a role in digital interference campaigns aimed at shaping political outcomes and discrediting selected candidates.
French Investigation Expands
The controversy emerged after reports claimed that French authorities suspected BlackCore of orchestrating an online smear campaign against three mayoral candidates from the left-wing, pro-Palestine party France Unbowed (La France Insoumise, LFI) ahead of local elections held in March.
The candidates were reportedly targeted in the cities of Marseille, Toulouse, and Roubaix.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez later confirmed that an investigation had been opened, although authorities initially declined to disclose further details regarding the scope of the inquiry.
Operations Allegedly Extended Beyond France
According to Viginum, France’s government agency responsible for monitoring foreign digital interference, evidence suggests that similar methods were used in political campaigns outside France.
Marc-Antoine Brillant, head of Viginum, stated that the operation appeared to extend to countries including Angola and Togo, as well as elections in Scotland and New York City.
“This modus operandi was not limited to municipal elections in France,” Brillant said, suggesting that the same digital influence techniques may have been employed in multiple political contests abroad.
Pro-Palestine Figures Targeted
French investigators said accounts linked to BlackCore were involved in online activity targeting Scottish First Minister John Swinney, who has repeatedly criticized Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and described the situation there as a humanitarian catastrophe.
The agency also referenced New York’s 2025 mayoral election, won by Zohran Mamdani, a self-described socialist and longtime supporter of Palestinian rights who became the city’s first Muslim mayor.
While investigators did not publicly identify specific targets in New York, French officials noted that the election formed part of the broader inquiry into alleged foreign digital interference.
Israel Asked for Explanations
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said Paris had requested explanations from Israel regarding BlackCore’s activities and had sought assistance in identifying those responsible for the alleged influence operations.
However, Viginum acknowledged that investigators have not yet determined who ultimately directed or financed the campaigns.
BlackCore previously described itself as a company specializing in influence operations, cyber capabilities, and information warfare strategies for governments and political campaigns. Following increased media scrutiny, the company’s website and LinkedIn page reportedly went offline.
Growing Tensions Between France and Israel
The allegations come amid increasingly strained relations between France and Israel.
Paris has repeatedly criticized Israeli military actions in Lebanon and Gaza, particularly over the rising civilian death toll and humanitarian consequences of the conflicts.
France has also barred Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from entering the country following widespread criticism over his conduct toward activists aboard the Global Sumud Gaza aid flotilla, which included French citizens.
The latest allegations against BlackCore are likely to add further pressure to an already tense relationship between Paris and Tel Aviv, while raising broader concerns about the use of cyber influence operations in democratic elections. (PW)