Fact Check: "One Israeli company called Xtend sought charitable donations to supply IDF drones, posting testimonials of soldiers in Gaza."
What We Know
The claim involves Xtend, an Israeli company specializing in drone technology, particularly in the context of its use by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Xtend has recently raised significant funding, reportedly completing a $40 million Series B financing round, which indicates strong investor confidence in its products and their effectiveness in military applications (Globes). The company has been noted for its development of drones that are user-friendly, featuring intuitive controls that resemble video game interfaces, which are particularly appealing to soldiers (Times of Israel).
There have been reports suggesting that Xtend has shifted its focus to support the IDF amid the ongoing conflict, with claims that the company is redirecting its resources to military applications (TechCrunch). However, the specific assertion that Xtend sought charitable donations for supplying drones to the IDF and posted testimonials from soldiers has not been substantiated by credible sources.
Analysis
The evidence surrounding Xtend's activities during the conflict is mixed. While it is clear that Xtend has been involved in supplying drones to the IDF and has received substantial funding due to its military applications, the claim regarding charitable donations and testimonials lacks direct verification. The article from The Intercept discusses the broader context of military funding and the commercialization of drone technology in Israel, but it does not provide specific evidence that Xtend itself has engaged in a crowdfunding campaign for military drones or shared testimonials from soldiers.
Furthermore, the sources discussing Xtend's funding and military involvement, such as Globes and Times of Israel, focus on the company's financial success and technological advancements rather than any charitable initiatives. This suggests that while the company is indeed active in the military sector, the specific claim about seeking donations and posting soldier testimonials may be exaggerated or misrepresented.
The reliability of the sources varies; mainstream outlets like Globes and Times of Israel are generally considered credible, while The Intercept may have a more critical stance on military-related topics, which could influence its reporting.
Conclusion
The claim that Xtend sought charitable donations to supply IDF drones, along with posting testimonials from soldiers, is not supported by sufficient evidence. While Xtend is actively involved in military applications and has received significant funding, the specific actions described in the claim require further investigation and verification. Therefore, the verdict is Needs Research.
