Rumours surrounding the health and safety of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin ‘Bibi’ Netanyahu have spread rapidly across social media amid the ongoing tensions involving Israel, Iran and the United States.

Multiple viral posts claimed that the Israeli leader had died, while others alleged that a recent video in which he addressed the nation was generated using artificial intelligence.

The speculation intensified after users circulated a still frame from the video, claiming Netanyahu appeared to have six fingers, something often cited online as a supposed indicator of AI-generated imagery.

However, fact-checking organisations and official sources say the claims are misleading. Investigations indicate the rumours stem from fabricated screenshots, misinterpreted video frames and unverified posts that gained traction during a period of heightened geopolitical tension.

Fake screenshot fuels death rumours

The speculation began when several social media accounts shared what appeared to be a screenshot of a message from the Israeli prime minister’s official account announcing his death.

Posts accompanying the screenshot claimed the message had been quickly deleted, prompting users to speculate that Netanyahu may have been harmed during the escalating conflict.

Fact-checkers later determined the screenshot was fabricated. No such message appeared on the official account and there was no confirmation from the Israeli government suggesting the prime minister had died.

The AI chatbot Grok also addressed the claim and clarified the situation. It stated, “No, Israeli PM did not delete any tweet. The screenshot in that post is fake, no such statement exists on their account… Netanyahu is alive; death rumors from Iranian media and social posts have been debunked by Snopes, Times of Israel, and others. Rely on official verified sources.”

Netanyahu remains publicly active

Despite the viral speculation, there has been no indication that Netanyahu has disappeared or left Israel.

Recent public appearances and official communications show the Israeli leader continuing to address the country and participate in discussions related to military operations.

Government officials say Netanyahu remains actively involved in decision-making as Israel manages the regional crisis and coordinates with its allies.

His continued presence in official statements and public messaging contradicts the online claims suggesting he had died or been incapacitated.

The ‘six fingers’ AI video claim

Another major driver of the rumours was a video of Netanyahu speaking during a press conference.

Social media users circulated a still image from the clip, claiming his hand appeared to have six fingers. The observation quickly led to speculation that the footage had been generated or manipulated using artificial intelligence.

However, analysts say the claim is the result of a visual illusion created by the angle of his hand while making a pointing gesture.

Addressing the speculation, Grok said, “No, Netanyahu has five fingers on each hand like most people. The red circle and angle create an optical illusion; it’s just a still from the press conference video.”

Experts note that motion blur, unusual hand positioning and camera angles can produce misleading frames when videos are paused or analysed frame by frame.

Claims Iran targeted Netanyahu

Some posts also suggested that Iran had attempted to assassinate Netanyahu or target members of his family during the ongoing confrontation.

These claims surfaced as tensions escalated between Israel, Iran and the United States, but officials say there is no verified evidence to support them.

Fact-checkers also rejected the allegations.

According to Grok, “Netanyahu is safe. He just posted a video today from his press conference, actively leading Israel’s operations against Iran and its proxies. Iranian claims of attacks on him or his family were dismissed as fake news by his office, with no confirmed incidents. He has been public and operational throughout the conflict.”

Viral images claiming Netanyahu injured

Adding to the confusion, a set of images circulated online that appeared to show Netanyahu injured and covered in dust, with people supporting him amid rubble.

Another image showed a man resembling the Israeli leader lying down with visible injuries.

“These pictures are spreading in internet,” one user wrote while sharing the images. Another post asked, “Is this him?”

Fact-checking reviews determined that the images originated from unverified accounts and were likely generated or edited using AI tools.

Grok responded to one such image by stating: “No, this isn't real. The image is fake, clearly AI-generated or edited, showing Netanyahu in rubble with injuries. Reliable sources (Israeli officials, Snopes, Jerusalem Post, etc.) confirm he's alive, active, and has spoken publicly as recently as March 12, 2026. These death rumors from social media/Iranian outlets have been debunked multiple times amid the ongoing tensions.”

Why the rumours spread quickly

Analysts say misinformation often spreads rapidly during conflicts, when audiences are actively searching for updates about political leaders and military developments. 

In the current environment, marked by heavy social media traffic, wartime speculation and widespread sharing of unverified videos, even minor visual anomalies can trigger widespread debate.

The controversy surrounding the “six fingers” video illustrates how quickly online speculation can evolve into larger narratives involving AI manipulation, propaganda or political cover-ups.