France Accuses Israeli Firm of Global Election Interference

France has accused the Israeli firm BlackCore of orchestrating smear campaigns aimed at interfering in elections not only in France but also in various countries including New York, Scotland, Angola, and Togo. The French disinformation watchdog has linked BlackCore to these activities, which have raised concerns about foreign digital interference. Despite identifying the company, investigators have yet to uncover who commissioned these campaigns. The French government has reached out to Israel for clarification and assistance in the matter, emphasizing the need for accountability among allies. This situation highlights the growing issue of disinformation in global politics.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 12, 2026, 04:28 IST

Allegations Against BlackCore

France has raised concerns about an Israeli company, BlackCore, which it suspects of orchestrating coordinated online smear campaigns aimed at disrupting democratic elections. The disinformation watchdog in France has indicated that the company's activities extend beyond its borders, with reported operations in locations such as New York City, Scotland, Angola, and Togo, as per a Reuters report.

Details of the Accusations

BlackCore, which previously described itself as a premier influence and technology firm specializing in modern information warfare, has since removed much of its online presence following inquiries. The company claimed to provide governments and political entities with advanced tools to manipulate narratives.

French authorities initially suspected BlackCore of orchestrating a smear campaign against three candidates from the leftist, pro-Palestine party, France Unbowed, during the local elections held in March.

Wider Implications of the Findings

During a press conference with French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, Marc-Antoine Brillant, head of France's disinformation detection service Viginum, stated that their investigations pointed to BlackCore's involvement. He emphasized that the alleged interference was not confined to France alone, stating, "This modus operandi was not limited to municipal elections in France. It also appears to have been used to carry out foreign digital interference operations in other countries or regions, such as Angola, Togo, the elections in Scotland, and the 2025 municipal election in New York." Viginum later published a comprehensive report detailing BlackCore's suspected global activities.

Targets in New York and Scotland

Brillant did not specify the targets in the New York City elections, which were won by Zohran Mamdani in 2025. In Scotland, Viginum reported that accounts associated with BlackCore were found targeting First Minister John Swinney, who has publicly condemned the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and suggested that a genocide may be occurring based on civilian casualties and statements from Israeli officials.

Uncertainty Over Campaign Sponsors

While BlackCore has been identified as the likely operator behind these campaigns, French investigators have yet to determine who commissioned the firm for these operations. Brillant noted, "Our investigations did not make it possible to identify the sponsor or sponsors, if indeed they exist, behind this foreign digital interference."

France Seeks Clarification from Israel

French Prime Minister Lecornu stated that the government has formally requested an explanation from Israel regarding BlackCore's actions and assistance in identifying the individuals or entities that may have commissioned the smear campaigns. He expressed a strong expectation of reciprocity between allied nations, saying, "I do not doubt for a single instant that if a French private group, from French soil moreover, had engaged in foreign digital interference in Israel, they would have done the same to its ambassador on site." Israel's embassy in Paris acknowledged receipt of the inquiry and is awaiting further details from the French investigation before proceeding with its own inquiries, asserting that it has no intention of meddling in French political affairs.