Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has dismissed circulating reports suggesting he had gone missing or been killed amid escalating tensions in West Asia, calling the claims “fake news.” The statement came after a wave of social media speculation, including videos and images purporting to show the prime minister in unusual circumstances.

“These are fake news; the Prime Minister is fine,” the office told Anadolu Ajansi, rejecting widespread rumours that Netanyahu had been targeted in Iranian retaliation for US and Israeli strikes.

‘Six finger’ controversy

The controversy began after Netanyahu released a video address on 13 March, in which a still frame appeared to show six fingers on his right hand. Some users suggested the anomaly indicated the clip was AI-generated or a deepfake.

Despite the viral attention, there is no evidence that the video was manipulated. Analysts and fact-checkers indicate that the unusual visual is likely a misinterpreted frame rather than a sign of artificial intelligence.

Recent public appearances

Netanyahu’s last confirmed public address came on 13 March, when he responded to a message from Iran’s new Supreme Leader. In the televised briefing, he warned Tehran: “We are crushing Iran and Hezbollah… We eliminated the old tyrant, and the new tyrant, the puppet of the Revolutionary Guards, can't show his face in public.”

Before this, he was seen meeting local council heads and visiting the National Health Command Center on 10 March. On 3 March, he attended a synagogue service and appeared in a television interview with Fox News, though it was unclear whether this was conducted via video link.

Social media rumours of assassination

Speculation about Netanyahu’s safety gained traction after social media users shared unverified screenshots claiming his official account had announced his death. Other posts suggested he had fled to Germany or been assassinated in an Iranian strike.

Conservative commentator Candace Owens added to the chatter, tweeting, “Washington D.C is lying to the American people about what is going on in Iran. It is not going well. Also where is Bibi Netanyahu? Why is his office releasing and deleting fake AI videos from him and why is there mass panic at the White House?”

Netanyahu’s office and fact-checking organisations quickly refuted these claims. No credible evidence indicates the prime minister was harmed, and reports of attacks on his office or family were dismissed as false.

Viral images fuel misinformation

Adding to the confusion, images circulated online purportedly showing Netanyahu injured amid rubble. Fact-checks revealed these visuals were sourced from unverified accounts and likely generated or altered with AI tools.

Analysts note that misinformation spreads quickly during conflict periods, especially when audiences are actively seeking updates on political leaders and military developments. Minor anomalies, such as the “six fingers” frame, can rapidly evolve into broader conspiracy narratives.

Despite the social media frenzy, Netanyahu remains active in diplomatic and military engagements. Reports indicate he has reached out to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss cooperation on countering Iranian drones, a threat Ukraine has faced for years.

Meanwhile, Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz described the conflict with Tehran as entering a “decisive phase,” praising US strikes on what Washington identified as military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island oil export hub.