Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video on Sunday to confront and lampoon social media rumours that suggested he had either been assassinated or replaced by an artificial intelligence simulation.

The address follows days of online speculation, propelled by conspiracy theorists and various Iranian media platforms, claiming the Prime Minister perished in a recent Iranian missile strike. The narrative gained traction after observers of a Friday press conference alleged the footage was a "deepfake," citing supposed visual anomalies including a "sixth finger" on the leader’s hand.

Netanyahu’s Rebuttal

In the video, Netanyahu is seen at a local cafe to provide proof of life while mocking the digital rumours:

  • Wordplay on "Death": Utilising a Hebrew idiom, the Prime Minister quipped, "I am dead... for coffee," a phrase denoting a strong craving. He followed the joke with a more sombre note, stating, "I love my nation to death."
  • The Finger Count: Directly addressing the AI allegations, Netanyahu displayed both hands to the lens to confirm he possessed the standard ten digits.
  • Civic Guidance: Turning to the ongoing conflict with Iran, he encouraged citizens to seek fresh air but cautioned them to remain alert and stay within reach of bomb shelters.

Origins of the Hoax

The misinformation campaign surfaced during a period of intense regional instability that began Feb. 28 with coordinated U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran.

The Prime Minister’s Office had previously dismissed the claims as "fake news," assuring international press that the leader was "fine." The rumours also targeted the Prime Minister's son, Yair Netanyahu, whose five-day social media hiatus was characterised by some as evidence of a "family tragedy" until official sources corrected the record.

High-profile commentators had initially amplified the AI theories, pointing to lighting effects and camera perspectives in recent official broadcasts as evidence of a digital "glitch."