In the midst of ongoing strife across the Middle East, one viral post on social media said that Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was injured, Iddo Netanyahu — the brother of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — was killed by an Iranian air strike in Tel Aviv. But these facts are totally untruths and lies.
Viral Claims on Social Media
Stories that got virally spread. Several articles on the internet claimed that Iran launched an air attack on Tel Aviv, reportedly setting Ben-Gvir’s house on fire and causing injury; other reports claimed that Israeli media was hiding the truth by reporting Ben-Gvir’s injuries as a car accident instead of an air strike.
Some posts went so far as to allege that the Israeli press deliberately covered up Ben-Gvir’s injuries as a car accident rather than an air attack.
What the Fact Check Reveals
It has no official record that substantiates these claims, or other reputable media report. No Iranian strike on Ben-Gvir’s home or killing of Iddo Netanyahu was reported by authorities and verified news outlets.
In fact, viral posts appear to be spreading misinformation during the regional dispute that’s a global challenge.
Why the Confusion Happened
A video of Itamar Ben-Gvir, recently in Ramle, Israel during an auto accident last April helped to build up theories. The vehicle he was travelling in ran a red light and collided with another vehicle, which made the SUV flip.
Just minor injuries to Ben-Gvir, his daughter and the driver. But there hasn’t been any recent accident or air strike involving him, contrary to rumors circulating through viral posts.
Iran’s Recent Air Strikes on Israel
Iran launched more than 90 attempted strikes on the State of Israel in the period between February 28 and March 4 after the conflict started escalating in that area, data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project showed.
It is estimated that some 20 civilian sites were struck and at least 10 lives were died during those times. At the same time, Fars News Agency announced that hundreds of ballistic missiles and thousands of drones were launched targeting both Israel and US military installations across the Middle East.
Bottom Line
The viral claims about Iddo Netanyahu’s death and Itamar Ben-Gvir being injured in an Iranian air strike are fake. There is no verified evidence or official confirmation supporting these allegations.