Benjamin Netanyahu Death Rumours Debunked: Israeli PM’s Office Says He Is Safe and Healthy

Amid the escalating tensions in the Middle East involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly denied viral reports claiming that he had been killed. The rumours, which spread widely across social media platforms, were officially dismissed by the Prime Minister’s Office on Saturday.

Responding to questions regarding the circulating reports, including those referenced by Turkey’s Anadolu Agency, the Prime Minister’s Office issued a clear statement denying the allegations. Officials described the claims as false and misleading.

“These are fake news; the Prime Minister is fine,” the office said, putting an end to speculation about Netanyahu’s safety.

How the Rumours About Netanyahu’s Death Started

The rumours began circulating shortly after Netanyahu posted a video message on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday. In the video, the Israeli leader was seen addressing a press briefing related to the ongoing conflict involving Israel, Iran, and the United States.

However, shortly after the video was uploaded, several social media users began questioning its authenticity. Some viewers claimed they noticed what appeared to be six fingers on Netanyahu’s right hand during a brief moment in the recording when he raised his hand while speaking.

Screenshots from the video quickly spread online, with some users suggesting the visual anomaly was a sign that the footage had been generated or altered using Artificial Intelligence.

At approximately the 35-second mark of the video, a small patch of flesh near Netanyahu’s little finger created the illusion of an additional finger for some viewers. Critics described the moment as a “classic AI finger glitch,” a common issue sometimes associated with AI-generated images or videos.

Social Media Speculation Intensifies

The speculation gained further traction when US Republican commentator Candace Owens raised questions about the video on social media. Referring to Netanyahu by his widely known nickname “Bibi,” Owens questioned whether the video was genuine.

“Where’s Bibi?” she wrote on X. “Why is there widespread fear at the White House, and why is his office releasing and removing phony AI videos from him?”

Following her comments, many social media users began analysing the video more closely. Some pointed out other visual elements they believed were suspicious, including the movement of curtains in the background while the two Israeli flags positioned nearby appeared largely motionless.

One user suggested that the curtain appeared to move in the same pattern repeatedly, which they interpreted as a possible looping effect often seen in digitally generated backgrounds.

Experts and Viewers Offer Alternative Explanations

Not everyone agreed with the speculation. Several users and analysts pointed out that modern broadcasts and official video statements often use digital backgrounds, green screens, or controlled studio environments. These production techniques can sometimes create unusual visual effects or inconsistencies in movement.

Such technical factors could easily explain why certain elements in the background appeared static while others moved slightly during the video recording.

As a result, many observers concluded that the claims about AI manipulation or Netanyahu’s death were likely exaggerated and based on misinterpretations of the footage.

Tensions Escalate Following Conflict With Iran

The rumours emerged during an already tense period in the Middle East. Regional tensions have escalated significantly following recent military developments involving Israel, Iran, and the United States.

According to reports, Israel and the United States carried out joint military strikes against Iran on February 28. The operation reportedly resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, triggering a major escalation and pushing the region closer to full-scale conflict.

In response, Iran launched multiple missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and several neighbouring countries that Tehran claims are hosting United States military infrastructure.

Closure of the Strait of Hormuz Raises Global Concerns

The conflict has also had serious implications for Global energy markets. In a significant escalation, Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes for oil and natural gas.

The narrow maritime passage normally handles around 20 million barrels of crude oil shipments per day and accounts for roughly 20 percent of the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade.

With the strait temporarily closed, global trade through the Gulf region has been disrupted, triggering widespread concerns about the stability of international energy supplies and the potential impact on global oil prices.

Despite the online speculation, Israeli authorities have made it clear that the reports of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s death are entirely false. The government has urged the public to rely on verified information rather than Viral Social Media claims.