Is Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu dead? Officials deny assassination rumours amid viral AI video claims

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly denied viral social media claims suggesting he had been assassinated. Responding to an inquiry from Anadolu Agency, officials clarified that the reports circulating online were completely false and confirmed that Netanyahu is safe.

"These are fake news; the Prime Minister is fine," the office stated while addressing the growing speculation on social platforms. An official post on X that fueled the rumours has since been taken down, further stirring public curiosity.

The rumours began after Netanyahu shared a video of a press briefing on the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran on X. Soon after, users claimed to spot what appeared to be six fingers on Netanyahu's right hand when he raised it during the speech. A still frame around the 35-second mark circulated widely, with users suggesting the unusual hand shape indicated the video had been generated using artificial intelligence (AI).

Such so-called "AI finger glitches" have often been cited online as signs of manipulated or synthetic media, fueling conspiracy theories about the authenticity of the footage.

The speculation intensified when conservative commentator Candace Owens questioned Netanyahu's whereabouts in a post on X. Referring to the Israeli leader as "Bibi," Owens asked why the Prime Minister's office was allegedly sharing and removing "AI videos" of him, hinting at supposed panic in Washington. Her comments amplified discussion among users already suspicious of the clip.

Some users also pointed to the video's background as a sign of manipulation, claiming the blackout curtain behind Netanyahu appeared to move in a repeating pattern while the two Israeli flags remained still. However, experts noted that virtual or artificial backdrops are commonly used in broadcasts and press briefings, and such effects do not necessarily indicate a fake video.

The viral claim was also addressed by the AI chatbot Grok, developed by xAI. According to Grok, the supposed sixth finger was a visual illusion caused by shadows, camera angle, and the natural contour of the palm known as the hypothenar eminence. The chatbot confirmed that the full, unedited footage released by Israel's Government Press Office clearly shows Netanyahu with five fingers on each hand.

The rumours emerged amid heightened geopolitical tension following joint military actions by Israel and the United States against Iran. In the aftermath of the strikes, Iran reportedly shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipments. The narrow passage typically carries around 20 million barrels of oil daily and accounts for a significant share of worldwide liquefied natural gas trade. Any disruption in this corridor could have major implications for international energy markets and shipping routes.