A dramatic image showing Tel Aviv engulfed in flames has gone viral amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. However, our investigation reveals that the image was digitally manipulated to make the destruction appear far more severe than it actually was.
Social Media Posts
A widely shared photo on social media depicts Tel Aviv’s skyline surrounded by intense red flames and thick smoke, allegedly showing the aftermath of recent Iranian missile strikes on the city.
Fact-Check
Upon our investigation, we conduct a reverse image search, which led us to the original picture.
We also found the original photograph, which was published by the Associated Press (AP).
The viral image has been digitally altered to make the attacks on Tel Aviv look more dramatic than they really were. When we compare it to the original, unedited photograph from the same event, we can see that the actual smoke was much lighter, and there wasn’t the intense fire or bright red glow that appears in the manipulated version.
We also ran the viral image through “Was It AI?”, a forensic tool designed to detect signs of AI manipulation in images. The result showed a high likelihood that the image was AI-generated or heavily enhanced using generative tools, consistent with the unnatural lighting, exaggerated flames, and texture inconsistencies seen in the viral version.
Israel-Iran Current Situation
In Tel Aviv, missile exchanges between Israel and Iran have intensified, causing severe damage to infrastructure and loss of life. Iran’s recent missile strikes, launched in response to Israeli attacks on Iranian facilities, have hit Tel Aviv and other cities including Haifa. Multiple buildings in central Tel Aviv have collapsed, with rescue teams working to find survivors. The US embassy reported minor damage, while residents continue to seek shelter during frequent air raid sirens.
The crisis has halted normal operations across the city, with educational institutions, commercial establishments, and airports ceasing operations. Tel Aviv’s population remains on high alert for emergency notifications, while diplomatic efforts to contain the situation show little progress. The conflict’s escalation has prompted international concern about its regional implications.
(Source: Reuters, Al Jazeera, CNN)
Conclusion
The viral photo showing a massive inferno in Tel Aviv has been digitally edited. Although Tel Aviv has sustained damage from Iran’s missile strikes, the specific viral image misrepresents the actual level of destruction and should not be taken as an authentic depiction of events.
Title:Viral Photo of Fire Engulfing Tel Aviv High-Rises Is Digitally Manipulated
Fact Check By: Cielito WangResult: Altered
