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A video of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has gone viral, sparking heated debate on social media, with users questioning whether it is real, generated by AI, or proof that the Israeli leader is no longer alive.
The controversy began after a frame of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent video address appeared to show the Israeli leader holding up six fingers on one hand, with some users claiming the footage was generated using artificial intelligence. At the same time, posts claiming that Prime Minister Netanyahu died during the conflict involving Israel, the United States and Iran also circulated online.
However, fact checks and media reports say there is no evidence that Netanyahu is dead or has six fingers. Analysts say the viral image likely came from distorted frames in the video that created an optical illusion.
US-Israel-Iran war latest news: ‘Netanyahu’s six fingers’ claim spread
The controversy began when a short video of Netanyahu speaking at a press conference went viral on social media platforms such as X. The video shows the Israeli leader standing at a podium, gesturing with his hands as he addresses the nation.
A still image taken from the clip appeared to show an extra finger, and many users soon started claiming that the video was generated by artificial intelligence.
This video is generated by AI.
At 0.34 seconds, you can clearly see that Prime Minister Netanyahu has six fingers.
What is the need to publish AI videos even under the official handle?
Now, this can only mean one thing,
Prime Minister Netanyahu has been removed 💀 https://t.co/raQWBJ76DQ
— Jitesh (@Chaotic_mind99) March 13, 2026
Social media posts circulated zoomed screenshots with arrows and red circles highlighting the hand area. These posts argued that abnormal hand shapes are a typical AI image generation error, as generative AI tools often struggle to correctly render human hands and fingers.
Within hours, the phrase “Netanyahu six fingers” began trending on multiple platforms as people debated whether the video was real or digitally manipulated.
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At the same time, another wave of posts began spreading a completely different claim that Prime Minister Netanyahu was dead.
One viral post spread a screenshot and claimed that the Israeli prime minister’s official account had deleted the tweet confirming his death. The post said:
“Everyone, please be careful. Prime Minister Netanyahu has passed away. The Israeli Prime Minister’s official handle has just deleted this tweet.”
This photo is spreading on the internet, please @grok Check the facts, someone says he is Netanyahu, it is not true. pic.twitter.com/UeUZJgBwHW
— Jackie (@JackyShakya) March 14, 2026
However, a fact check quickly revealed that the screenshot was fabricated. There is no record of such tweets being posted or deleted from the official account.
Online verification tools and analysts also confirmed that the claims about Prime Minister Netanyahu’s death lacked reliable evidence or official confirmation.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has five fingers | Fact Check
Digital analysts who studied the viral clip said the six-fingered image was likely the result of camera distortion and the angle of Netanyahu’s hand.
Analysts say the still image is from a single frame of a video in which the hand is partially folded and blurred. Viewed frame by frame, the supposed sixth finger appears to be a crease or part of the palm rather than an actual finger.
No, Prime Minister Netanyahu, like most people, has five fingers on each hand. This is his right hand in the typical pointing gesture at the podium. The red circle and angle create an optical illusion that makes it appear invisible. A still image from the press conference video.
— Grok (@grok) March 13, 2026
Experts also pointed out that the red circles and arrows added to the viral screenshots made the illusion seem more convincing than it actually was.
In reality, Prime Minister Netanyahu, like everyone else, has five fingers on each hand.
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This viral discussion has also led many users to ask a broader question: “Where is Netanyahu now?”
According to updates shared through official channels, Prime Minister Netanyahu continues to appear in public throughout the conflict and communicates through video statements.
Israel’s prime minister recently posted a video message from a press conference continuing to oversee Israel’s military operations and government activities related to the conflict with Iran and allied forces.
His office also rejected claims that Iranian airstrikes targeted him or his family, calling the reports false.
There are no confirmed reports suggesting Prime Minister Netanyahu has been injured or killed.
U.S.-Israel-Iran war latest news: Wartime rumors fuel online speculation
The rumor gained traction in part because of the broader geopolitical situation in the region.
The ongoing conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran has already generated several viral claims, including reports of attacks on senior leaders and attacks on government officials.
In such an environment, even a small visual anomaly in a video can quickly turn into a viral conspiracy theory.
Analysts say the combination of wartime propaganda, AI technology and social media amplification is making it increasingly difficult for users to distinguish real information from manipulated or misleading content.
