The rumor started circulating online after users questioned the authenticity of a video shared by Netanyahu on his X account during a press conference regarding the ongoing US-Israel-Iran war.
When Anadolu Agency correspondent asked about the claims, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office dismissed them outright.
“These are fake news. The prime minister is fine,” the station said.
Speculation began after social media users pointed out a frame in the video showing Netanyahu raising his hand. Others claimed that the image showed six fingers and that it was a typical AI-generated video glitch.
The moment appeared around the 0:35 mark, with what appeared to be extra flesh next to the pinky finger, prompting claims that the video was artificially generated.
The theory quickly spread online, with commentators questioning whether Netanyahu himself appeared in the video.
They included American conservative commentator Candace Owens, who wrote to X, “Where’s Bibi?” using Netanyahu’s nickname, and questioned why Israeli leaders were allegedly posting and deleting “AI videos.”
Notice how the blackout curtain moves in the exact same pattern throughout the video, as if on a loop. On the other hand, the two flags do not move at all. A clear indicator of AI.
— rabs (@rabscreates) March 13, 2026
Online debate over video authenticity
Some users claimed that the background of the video looked unnatural, noting that the Israeli flag behind Netanyahu remained stationary, while the curtains appeared to move in a repeating pattern.
Notice how the blackout curtain moves in the exact same pattern throughout the video, as if on a loop. On the other hand, the two flags do not move at all. A clear indicator of AI.
— rabs (@rabscreates) March 13, 2026
Others rejected this claim, noting that many broadcasts use virtual or static backgrounds, which could explain the unusual visual effects.
X’s AI chatbot Grok later addressed this viral claim, saying that the “sixth finger” was likely an optical illusion caused by shadows, the angle of the hand, or the natural shape of the palm.
“Full official footage from the Israeli Government Press Office clearly shows five fingers on a standard hand,” the chatbot said.
The war enters its 16th day
The speculation comes as the conflict between Israel, the US and Iran enters its 16th day.
According to reports, the joint U.S.-Israel attack on Iran began on February 28, with Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei being killed on the first day of the war.
Iran retaliated with attacks on regional energy infrastructure and closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route that typically carries about 20 million barrels of oil a day and about 20% of global LNG trade.
