Outdated Photo of Israeli Iron Dome Intercepting Rockets from Gaza, Not Lebanon
The Claim
A picture of war in the sky of Israel. A Hezbollah rocket while being approached by an interceptor missile
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Amid the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict, social media users widely shared a photo purporting to feature a Hezbollah rocket intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome defense system. An X user posted the image with the caption, "A picture of war in the sky of Israel. A Hezbollah rocket while being approached by an interceptor missile."
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the viral photo and found the claim to be misleading.
After conducting a thorough reverse image search, Misbar’s team found the photo making the rounds to be old and unrelated to the recent Hezbollah-Israel conflict.
Outdated Photo Shows Israeli Iron Dome Intercepting Gaza Rocket
Contrary to social media users' viral claim, the photo is unrelated to the current tensions between Hezbollah and Israel. Misbar's investigative team traced the photo back to May 12, 2023.
It was shared by The Times of Israel's military correspondent, Emmanuel Fabian, who included it among images depicting Iron Dome interceptions of rockets from Gaza during the May 2023 conflict. The photo was credited to photographer Gilad Kfir.
An official Israeli military account also shared the same set of photos on X on May 12, 2023, displaying "Iron Dome interceptions above Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip."
Israeli Attacks on Gaza Claim 34 Palestinian Lives in May 2023
The May 2023 Gaza-Israel clashes erupted after Khader Adnan, a Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) spokesman, died in an Israeli prison following an 87-day hunger strike. In response, the PIJ group launched over 100 rockets into southern Israel on May 2, injuring seven people.
On May 9, Israel launched strikes targeting PIJ leaders in Gaza, sparking intense exchanges of rocket fire and airstrikes. The clashes lasted until May 13, resulting in 34 Palestinian deaths and one Israeli casualty before both sides agreed to a ceasefire.
Israel Launches Largest Offensive on Lebanon Since 2006
Israel's ongoing military offensive in Lebanon has claimed the lives of at least 558 people, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. Among the victims are 50 children and 94 women, with around 2,000 wounded. More than 10,000 people have been displaced in what is described as the most intense assault on Lebanon since its civil war from 1975 to 1990.
On September 23, Israeli airstrikes, primarily targeting southern and eastern Lebanon, caused 492 deaths and at least 1,645 injuries, marking the deadliest day of conflict in Lebanon since the civil war.
Israel states that its operations are focused on Hezbollah, aiming to facilitate the return of its displaced citizens from the north. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced on Wednesday the redeployment of "forces, resources, and energy" toward the northern front and Hezbollah, signaling a "new phase" in the war.
Hezbollah Responds to Israeli Barbaric Raids on Lebanon
Hezbollah announced on Tuesday that it launched a barrage of rockets targeting Israeli air bases, including the Megiddo airfield near Afula and an explosives factory deep within Israel. The Israeli military reported that over 50 projectiles were fired from Lebanon, with most being intercepted and no casualties reported.
This follows Israel's escalation on Monday, where it fired over 1,600 projectiles into Lebanon, striking southern areas, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut.
Misbar’s classification
Misleading
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