Video hoax misidentifies Ukrainian tank as Israeli Merkava

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 1,000 kilometres away.

Hezbollah's "success" is being repeated by various media profiles. As stated in numerous threads, the strike was "spectacular," and it also involved eliminating the entire tank crew. The destruction of the alleged Merkava is spectacular—in the video, you can see the machine disintegrating into pieces in seconds.

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 recording is not from the Middle East, but from the Donetsk region in Ukraine, located about 1,500 kilometres away. Another discrepancy is the recording date of the footage. The T-90M from 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.

The latest generation, the Mk IV version, features significant improvements in crew protection and mobility. These tanks are equipped with multi-layered armour that effectively absorbs the impact of anti-tank projectiles. Additionally, the Trophy active protection system 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 65 kilometres per hour on roads and 55 kilometres per hour off-road.

Merkava tanks have been repeatedly tested in battle, 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 or 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 upcoming years include developing newer versions of the Merkava, equipped with advanced optoelectronic systems, even more effective active defence systems, and automated fire control systems. These innovations further enhance combat effectiveness and crew protection on the modern, dynamically changing battlefield.