Misleading tank footage: Hezbollah claim debunked as Russian T‑90
Arab channels are increasingly sharing a video on social media that allegedly shows Hezbollah destroying a modern Israeli Merkava tank. However, the truth is quite different, as that machine does not appear in the video. Moreover, the footage is not from 2024 and was over 1,000 kilometres away.
Various media profiles are repeating Hezbollah's "success". As noted in numerous threads, the strike was "spectacular". It supposedly 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 within seconds.
Alleged destruction of the Merkava by Hezbollah
Social media users continue to spread the video of the exploding tank, thereby perpetuating misinformation. The video attached to the posts shows a Russian T-90M, not an Israeli Merkava. Furthermore, the recording is not from the Middle East but from the Donetsk region in Ukraine, about 1,500 kilometres away. Another discrepancy is the recording date of the footage. The T-90M in the video, which some Arab sources claim is a Merkava, was destroyed on 9th October 2023.
In the context of Merkava, its destruction would be a significant success for Hezbollah. This model 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 armour that effectively absorbs the impact of anti-tank projectiles. The Trophy active protection system also neutralises 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 64 km/h on roads and 55 km/h 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 their high reliability have been crucial during conflicts in the Gaza Strip or near 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 modernise 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.
