Israeli Private Intelligence Company Black Cube Out of Control

Summary

The Israeli investigative TV show 'Uvda' exposed the private intelligence firm Black Cube's covert activities, including smear campaigns and espionage, hired by billionaire Eden Ofer against Israel's then Finance Minister Yair Lapid in 2014. Black Cube, known for its ties to the Israeli Mossad, has faced controversy for its methods and high-profile clients like Harvey Weinstein. The show's revelation of Black Cube's willingness to target Israeli citizens has raised concerns about the privatization of security and the potential erosion of state control over intelligence operations.

Takeaways

• 🕵️‍♂️ The Israeli investigative TV show 'Uvda' revealed that the private intelligence firm Black Cube was hired in 2014 to smear Israel's then Finance Minister, Yair Lapid, by billionaire Idan Ofer.
• 🌐 Black Cube is known for offering corporate espionage and has used techniques perfected by the Israeli Mossad and other security agencies.
• 🎥 The company gained notoriety when it was discovered that Harvey Weinstein hired Black Cube to spy on women who accused him of sexual assault, allegedly on the recommendation of former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak.
• 📺 Journalist Ilana Dayan described Black Cube as a group of brilliant individuals, some of whom are graduates of the Mossad, producing a product that can be dark and dangerous.
• 🚫 The report shocked Israelis not because of Black Cube's methods, but because the company showed no hesitation in targeting fellow Israelis, including activists, journalists, state officials, and politicians.
• 💸 Black Cube responded to the 'Uvda' report with a lawsuit for over 15 million British pounds, indicating the company's aggressive stance against negative publicity.
• 📚 Shir Hever, a correspondent for the Real News Network and author of 'The Privatization of Israeli Security,' discussed the implications of Black Cube's activities.
• 🏛️ Israeli security organizations are facing a crisis, leading to a reliance on private sector companies like Black Cube, which may be more desperate and willing to take on controversial contracts.
• 🏦 The privatization of security and intelligence has led to a situation where private companies have more control over intelligence capabilities than state institutions, making regulation difficult.
• 💡 The success rate of Black Cube and similar companies is questionable, as their controversial contracts have not always resulted in favorable outcomes for their clients.
• 🛑 Governments need to be cautious about granting too much freedom to private security companies and should ensure transparency and support for victims of such companies' actions.

Q & A

What was the main revelation from the Israeli investigative TV show 'Uvda' about Black Cube?

The main revelation was that Black Cube, a private intelligence firm, was hired in 2014 by Israeli billionaire Sheldon Adelson to smear Israel's then finance minister, Yair Lapid.

What is Black Cube known for besides its smear campaign against Yair Lapid?

Black Cube is also known for offering corporate espionage and using techniques perfected by the Israeli Mossad and other security agencies.

How did Black Cube become famous?

Black Cube became famous when it was discovered that movie producer Harvey Weinstein had hired the firm to spy on women who filed complaints against him for sexual assault.

Who allegedly recommended Black Cube to Harvey Weinstein?

Former Israeli Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Ehud Barak allegedly recommended Black Cube to Weinstein.

What did Ilana Dayan, the journalist, say about Black Cube in the documentary?

Ilana Dayan described Black Cube as a group of brilliant people, some of whom are graduates of the Mossad and other classified units, producing a product that can be dark and more dangerous than they imagined.

What was shocking for Israelis about the report on Black Cube?

The shocking aspect for Israelis was not the methods used by Black Cube, such as deception, sting operations, and surveillance, but that the firm had no qualms about taking on Israeli targets as well, including activists, journalists, state officials, and politicians.

What is the connection between Black Cube and other Israeli private intelligence companies like NSO and PsyGroup?

Black Cube, like NSO and PsyGroup, is an Israeli private intelligence company that was founded around the same time and has gradually become famous for its covert actions.

Why did the investigative team at 'Uvda' focus on Black Cube?

They focused on Black Cube because of the company's use of methodologies typically associated with Israeli security organizations, but applied for profit and against Israeli targets, which instilled fear and concern among the public.

What is Shir Hever's view on the success of Black Cube's operations?

Shir Hever believes that Black Cube and similar companies are not very successful, as they take on problematic contracts that others won't, and their methods have not resulted in favorable outcomes for their clients.

Why do Israeli private intelligence companies seem to have fewer scruples than those from other countries?

According to Shir Hever, it's not that Israelis are more willing to cross moral lines, but rather that Israeli security organizations are in crisis, leading them to turn to the private sector, which results in these companies taking on contracts that are desperate and problematic.

What is the potential consequence of the privatization of security and intelligence, as described in the script?

The privatization of security can lead to a snowball effect where the private sector becomes stronger and less regulable, with former state intelligence agents leveraging their power and information for profit, crossing moral lines and potentially causing devastating effects.

What can governments learn from the situation with private security companies like Black Cube?

Governments should be cautious about relinquishing control over security and surveillance to the private sector, as it can lead to a loss of oversight and accountability. They should also ensure transparency and support victims whose privacy has been violated by such companies.