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Anti-Israel news photo hoax alleged
By UPI Staff
United Press International
September 1, 2006

JERUSALEM (UPI) -- A news photo that circulated worldwide of a Lebanese ambulance hit by an Israeli missile was a hoax, the Israeli Arutz Sheva broadcaster said Thursday.

The photograph was published around the world in the last week of July, midway through the 34-day war between Hezbollah guerrillas and Israeli troops.

However, the broadcaster noted how the alleged shell hole was neat and exactly in the middle of the cross on the ambulance roof. The hole also has rusted edges, and screw holes around it, which the report said suggested it had been made to secure a flashing emergency light.

The report noted how other vehicles hit by Israeli missiles are completely destroyed, while the ambulance showed only broken or missing windows.

The report criticized international media for publishing the photo unchallenged, saying, "Reports that an Israeli missile attack destroyed two ambulances played a role in shaping global opinion, which led to a cease-fire leaving Hezbollah intact."

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