Israel

Israel is a Middle Eastern nation established in 1948, located along the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It shares borders with Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, and the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Israel's creation followed the UN Partition Plan of 1947, aimed at establishing separate Jewish and Arab states in Palestine. The nation has profound historical and religious significance, particularly for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, making Jerusalem a focal point of religious reverence and geopolitical contention.

Politically, Israel operates as a parliamentary democracy led by the Knesset (legislative body) and the Prime Minister as head of government. It has a strong economy driven by sectors like technology, agriculture, defense, and biotechnology. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are known for their technological prowess and play a critical role in national security, given Israel’s complex geopolitical environment and ongoing tensions with neighboring countries. The unresolved Israel-Palestine conflict remains a major regional issue, centering on territorial disputes, the status of Jerusalem, and Palestinian statehood.

Israel is frequently at the center of global media coverage, particularly during conflicts in Gaza, elections, and international diplomatic developments. Misinformation about Israel often arises during these times, involving manipulated images, misattributed videos, and exaggerated narratives about military actions, political events, and international relations.

In November 2023, BOOM fact-checked a viral claim that showed Israeli swimmers protesting at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

BOOM found that the photo was actually taken at Israel's Wingate Institute in November 2023, not at the Paris Olympics, debunking the misleading claim about its origin.