Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared a video on his official X account on Monday, sparking new speculation online, as rumors swirl about Netanyahu’s health and even his death.
Viewers claimed that the ring on his finger appeared to temporarily disappear when he moved his arm. One user wrote, “Breaking news: Why does Prime Minister Netanyahu’s ring disappear when he moves his arm…Is this also AI?” Another user shared a slow-played clip, claiming the footage was “100% real” and expressing concern over its apparent disappearance.
The short video shows Netanyahu walking outside in Jerusalem and casually interacting with locals. He compliments the dog, asks about its breed, and engages in light conversation with the residents, apparently to counter rumors circulating about his death. The video was released amid heightened tensions in the region following the February 28 joint US-Israeli attack on Iran and Iran’s subsequent retaliation.
This is not the first time that Netanyahu’s video has raised questions about its authenticity. Earlier footage claimed that it appeared to have six fingers, raising suspicions that it was manipulated by AI. On Sunday, Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed the rumors in a video from a Jerusalem cafe, jokingly declaring, “I’m dying for coffee,” before raising his hands to show his fingers.
Speculation intensified after unconfirmed reports that Netanyahu had missed several Cabinet meetings during the Iran conflict, raising concerns about his health and whereabouts. A video showing him absent from the meeting has circulated online, but it has not been confirmed whether the footage is recent.
Israeli authorities have dismissed the death rumors as false and acknowledged that Netanyahu is alive, actively managing government affairs and appearing in recent photos and videos. Experts suggest that the missing ring is likely a visual artifact caused by motion blur, lighting, or video compression, rather than an AI operation.
The video appears to be part of a broader effort to reassure the public about Prime Minister Netanyahu’s safety amid persistent online rumors.
