Slogans like “Bibi is a dictator” or “Bibi is the enemy of mankind” were painted across cities, especially in Givatayim and Tel Aviv. Those recruited—often ordinary citizens—were gradually drawn into more serious missions: photographing IDF or Mossad facilities, tracking politicians, and even attempting to plant bombs.

According to Israeli police, Iran casts a wide net with recruitment messages. “They’re not targeting specific sectors,” said police spokesperson Dean Elsdunne. “They offer small jobs, then escalate to more severe crimes as the money increases.”

Experts warn that graffiti is just the beginning of a psychological operation. Ateret Shmuel, an Indigenous rights advocate, explains that the goal is to exploit social cracks and amplify unrest through repeated exposure—on walls and online. “It’s part of a propaganda playbook used by Iran and Russia,” she said. “The more people see these messages, the more they accept them as truth.”

Bot networks mirror these efforts online. A report by Cyabra, a Tel Aviv-based firm, revealed that coordinated bot accounts posting identical slogans in Hebrew and English went silent during an Iranian blackout caused by Israeli airstrikes—then reappeared with new pro-Iran messaging once power returned.

Dr. Ron Schleifer, an expert in psychological warfare, described these tactics as “black psychological operations” meant to destabilize society from within. “It’s about shifting blame, spreading antisemitism or division, and masking Iran’s own abuses—like its nuclear ambitions,” he explained.

Police investigators believe that alongside spreading dissent, some messages are pushing jihadist ideology. Graffiti like “in the name of Ruhollah,” referring to Iran’s revolutionary founder, suggests a deeper ideological motive.

While some of the more extreme plots were thwarted, authorities say the campaign is ongoing. Public awareness efforts and a hotline have been launched to prevent further recruitment. “It’s still happening as we speak,” warned one investigator.