Misleading viral video falsely claims Hezbollah tank victory
Arab channels are increasingly sharing a video on social media that allegedly shows Hezbollah destroying a modern Israeli Merkava tank. However, the truth is entirely different, as that machine is not in the video. Moreover, the footage is not even from 2024 and was recorded over 620 miles away.
Various media profiles are reporting the "success" of Hezbollah. According to multiple threads, the strike was "spectacular" and allegedly resulted in the elimination of the entire tank crew. The destruction of the supposed Merkava is indeed dramatic—in the video, you can see the machine disintegrating into pieces in seconds.
Alleged destruction of the Merkava by Hezbollah
Social media users continue to spread the video of the exploding tank, thereby perpetuating false information. The video attached to the posts shows not an Israeli Merkava but a Russian T-90M. Furthermore, the footage is not from the Middle East but the Donetsk region in Ukraine, about 930 miles away. Another discrepancy is the date of the recording. The T-90M in the video, which some Arab sources claim is a Merkava, was destroyed on October 9, 2023.
In the context of Merkava, its destruction would be a significant success for Hezbollah. This design is widely regarded as one of the best in the world.
Israel's best tanks
The latest generation, the Mk IV version, features significant improvements in crew protection and mobility. These tanks are equipped with multilayered armor that effectively absorbs the impact of anti-tank projectiles. Additionally, the Trophy's active protection system installed on it neutralizes threats from incoming missiles and rockets. Furthermore, the Merkava Mk IV boasts a powerful engine with 1,500 horsepower, allowing it to reach up to 40 mph on roads and 34 mph off-road.
Merkava tanks have been battle-tested repeatedly, participating in military operations conducted by Israel on various fronts. Their ability to adapt to difficult combat conditions and high reliability have been crucial during conflicts in the Gaza Strip and at the Lebanese border. Merkava tanks work excellently with other combat units thanks to an advanced communication and battlefield management system.
The Israeli armed forces are constantly striving to modernize their tanks. Plans for the coming years include developing newer versions of the Merkava equipped with advanced optoelectronic systems, more effective active defense systems, and automated fire control systems. These innovations enhance combat effectiveness and crew protection on the modern, dynamically changing battlefield.
