Hamas Hack Video. Photo: Screenshot

Israel’s Channel 2 and Channel 10 were briefly interrupted last night by Hamas. Instead of normal TV fare viewers were treated to a video in Hebrew and Arabic with video from the Gaza Strip, as well as an image of a missile hitting an IDF tank.

The interruption was brief  and only affected satellite users. Technology experts told Channel 2 that it wouldn’t be possible to hack Israel’s broadcast TV: “Israel’s commercial broadcast companies are encrypted and therefore protected from such penetration,” explains a senior technology expert according to a translation. “Factors that are at risk with private broadcasting channels is that open channels are downloadable from the satellite. While downloading, if someone transmits on the same frequency they can harm a particular channel. But it is only regional. Takeover of the country would require evolved technology. ”

“Taking control of television broadcasting with private plates is similar to the takeover of pirated channel radio stations. This is free frequencies, you can adjust them and make a brief takeover.”

The IDF has used this same tactic to great effect, taking over Hamas’s TV channel to broadcast warnings to Gaza residents and to counter Hamas propaganda.

Video posted by Channel 2 of the interruption can be viewed below: