Is Ben-Gvir Dead via an Attack? Israel's National Security Minister Figures In Car Accident - Here's What Happened

Posts circulating on social media claim that Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was injured during an Iranian air strike in Tel Aviv and that Iddo Netanyahu, brother of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was killed in the same attack. The claims began spreading online as tensions between Israel and Iran escalated in recent weeks.

The rumours appear to be linked to an unrelated road accident involving Ben-Gvir in April 2024, which is now being referenced in viral posts to support the false narrative. However, Israeli authorities and major news organisations have not reported any air strike targeting Ben-Gvir or his residence.

Claims About an Iranian Strike

Posts shared across several social media platforms claim that an Iranian missile strike struck Ben-Gvir's home in Tel Aviv. Some versions of the rumour also claim that Iddo Netanyahu was killed in the same attack.

Other posts suggest that Israeli media reported a car accident involving the minister in order to conceal the alleged air strike. The claims have circulated widely during the ongoing conflict in the region.

The minister has continued to be referenced in Israeli media coverage of government policy, and no statements have been issued indicating that he was injured. Similarly, there has been no announcement confirming the death of Iddo Netanyahu.

2024 Car Crash Behind the Rumours

The misinformation appears to stem from a road traffic collision that occurred on 26 April 2024 in the city of Ramle, Israel. At the time, Ben-Gvir was travelling in a government convoy when the vehicle carrying him ran a red light and collided with another car, causing the SUV to overturn, according to reports from the BBC and other international media.

Emergency services responded to the crash and transported those involved to hospital for medical evaluation. Ben-Gvir, his daughter and the driver of the other vehicle sustained minor injuries and were later discharged.

Images and footage from the crash received widespread media coverage in 2024. Some of those images have recently resurfaced online and are now being shared alongside claims linking the accident to the current conflict.

Who Are Ben-Gvir and Iddo Netanyahu?

Itamar Ben-Gvir has served as Israel's Minister of National Security since 2022 as part of the government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He is also the leader of the Otzma Yehudit party and oversees policing and internal security policy in Israel.

Recent Israeli media coverage has continued reporting on Ben-Gvir's government activities, indicating that he remains active in his ministerial role.

Iddo Netanyahu, meanwhile, is the brother of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He is a physician, author and playwright who has lived and worked in both Israel and the United States. There have been no verified reports indicating that he was killed in any recent attack.

Context of the Israel–Iran Conflict

The rumours have circulated during a period of heightened tensions between Israel and Iran following recent military exchanges. Reports indicate that Iran launched multiple missile and drone strikes toward Israel between 28 February and 4 March following regional escalation involving US-Israeli operations.

While those attacks caused damage in several locations, Israeli authorities and major news organisations have not reported any Iranian strike involving Ben-Gvir or the death of Iddo Netanyahu.