Channel 9
| Primary URL | Location | Industry | channel9[.]co[.]il |
Country
Israel
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Entertainment
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|---|
Profile
Channel 9 is an Israeli broadcasting corporation that operates within the country's media landscape, providing television and digital content to viewers. The organisation’s headquarters is situated in Israel, reflecting its national base of operations. Channel 9 maintains an online presence through a website that complements its broadcast services and allows audiences to access programming and news. As a broadcaster, it delivers news, entertainment, and informational programs to audiences across Israel. Its role in the media sector positions it alongside other entities such as Kan broadcasting corporation, which also offers public broadcasting services.
On April 20, 2022, Channel 9’s website was rendered offline by a coordinated cyber attack that disrupted its online accessibility. This disruption was part of a broader incident that targeted multiple Israeli websites simultaneously, affecting various governmental and media entities. Other organizations affected in the same wave included the Israeli Aviation Authority and Kan broadcasting corporation, which also experienced service interruptions. The attack caused the targeted services to become inaccessible to users for a period of time, prompting restoration efforts by the affected organizations. The widespread nature of the incident underscored the susceptibility of Israeli digital infrastructure to threats originating from external actors.
The Iraqi hacker group ALtahrea Team claimed responsibility for the operation against Channel 9, announcing the breach through online channels. ALtahrea Team identified itself as consisting of Shiite actors originating from Iraq, emphasizing its ideological orientation. The group stated that the attack was motivated by retaliation for the assassination of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, linking the act to geopolitical grievances. This explanation connects the cyber operation to broader regional tensions, indicating that the motive was politically driven rather than financially motivated. Consequently, the event illustrates how politically motivated actors can target media organizations to convey messages and exert pressure on perceived adversaries.