An Israeli woman, Noya Zion, has gained significant attention online after a news report erroneously claimed she had been executed in Iran. The report, aired by Channel 12 News, mistakenly identified her as Sanaz Javaherian, alleging she was killed during protests. Zion, who is alive and well, responded with a video expressing her disbelief and confusion about the false report.
Zion was taken aback when she saw her photo featured on national television alongside a headline stating, “Four Jews Killed in Protests in Iran.” The segment inaccurately portrayed her as one of the victims of Iranian security forces’ actions against demonstrators. In her Instagram video, she stated, “I never thought this would happen to me in my life… I’m in my house!” She further clarified, “I’ve never been to Iran in my life.”
Her father took a lighter approach on Facebook, suggesting the mix-up might stem from her resemblance to Israeli actress Niv Sultan, known for her role in the series “Tehran.” He humorously wrote, “Maybe she looks like Niv Sultan; maybe Niv Sultan looks like her. Peace to both.” He criticized the report, stating, “In any case, our Noya wasn’t in Tehran last week… Channel 12, a channel of fools.”
Despite the backlash, Channel 12 has not issued a correction or statement regarding the incident. Zion’s situation sparked widespread debate on social media, with many users condemning the report as a glaring journalistic error. Comments ranged from accusations of Israeli propaganda to critiques of media practices. One user remarked, “Wild. The lengths they go through to lie,” while another noted, “This is pure propaganda. Israeli media fabricates stories… to fuel fear.”
The incident occurred against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. On January 8, 2026, Iran faced significant unrest as the government dealt with its most severe domestic crisis in decades. Authorities imposed a nationwide internet blackout to suppress protests while accusing Israel and the United States of instigating terrorism to destabilize the nation.
From Israel’s perspective, the focus has been on ensuring that the Iranian regime, distracted by internal turmoil and economic collapse, does not launch military actions that could rally national support. In response, Israel has increased its military readiness and continued precision strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon, highlighting the complex interplay of regional politics.
As Zion’s story continues to circulate, it serves as a poignant reminder of the potential consequences of misinformation and the urgent need for accountability in media reporting.
