Why PM Netanyahu tapes his phone camera: The science of ‘spy-proof’ security | World News
Recent photos of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have sparked a global debate about digital privacy. Observers noticed something unusual on his mobile device: thick red tape covering the rear camera lenses.
The images were shot in the underground parking lot of the Knesset (Israeli Parliament). In the footage, it can be seen that the Prime Minister is talking on the phone next to his vehicle, and the main sensors of his device are clearly hidden by a red seal.
‘Spy-proof’ label: Security or paranoia?
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Casual users can use masking tape, but reports suggest that the Prime Minister’s device likely has a tamper-proof seal. These security labels are common in high-risk situations for several reasons:
– Visual Deterrence: They act as a physical barrier against “zero-click” spyware that can remotely activate the phone’s camera without the user’s knowledge.
– Tamper Evidence: When the sticker is peeled or moved, it leaves a permanent “VOID” pattern or mark, alerting security teams that the device may have been compromised.
– Strict Protocol: In “Red Zone” government areas where classified documents are handled, these seals are often needed to prevent accidental or intentional photography.
Podcaster Mario Nawfal, who first pointed out the images, asked a question that resonated with many: “If the Prime Minister of Israel feels the need to do this, what does that mean for the average person?”
Why is there tape on Netanyahu’s phone camera? Who is he worried about?
And if the Israeli Prime Minister feels the need to do this, what does that mean for the average person? pic.twitter.com/DVznM7uNBO— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 27, 2026
cyber warfare environment
The timing of this simple security measure is no coincidence. Israel is in the middle of a complex digital battlefield:
– Regional ThreatsReports in the Israeli press pointed out that fears were increasing against Iran-linked cyber groups such as “Handala”, which claimed to have breached the devices of senior Israeli aides and former ministers in early 2026.
– Legacy of Pegasus: Ironically, Israel is the birthplace of the world’s most notorious spyware, Pegasus. Developed by NSO Group, the software can turn any smartphone into a 24/7 surveillance tool. Activists noted the irony that the man who exported this technology now covered his own lenses.
– New Legislation: The Prime Ministry is currently promoting the 2026 National Cyber Protection Law. This bill aims to establish cybersecurity requirements for critical infrastructures at a time when there is a rise in state-sponsored hacking attempts.
Lessons for the average user
While most citizens are unlikely to be targets of state-level “zero-click” attacks, security experts say Netanyahu’s tape highlights a widespread security vulnerability. Even the best software defenses can be bypassed, but physics cannot be hacked. A physical barrier ensures that even if a hacker tries to see through your phone, they will encounter darkness.
Beyond the bureaucracy, the Israeli government recently banned Android devices for military personnel. They pointed out the platform’s open source vulnerabilities and suggested switching to more closed systems for sensitive transactions.
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