Israeli PM’s office calls viral assassination claims ‘fake news’
The office of Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed viral social media claims suggesting the Israel Prime Minister had been assassinated, saying he is “fine” and the reports are false.
The clarification came after a correspondent from Anadolu Agency asked Netanyahu’s office to comment on the growing number of social media posts claiming the Israeli leader had died.
“These are fake news; the Prime Minister is fine,” the office said in response.
Viral video sparks speculation
The rumours began circulating after Netanyahu shared a video of a press conference related to the ongoing tensions involving United States, Israel, and Iran on X.
Some social media users claimed to have spotted what appeared to be six fingers on Netanyahu’s right hand in the video, leading to speculation that the clip may have been generated using artificial intelligence.
At around the 0:35 mark in the footage, when Netanyahu raises his hands, an extra fold of flesh next to his little finger was interpreted by some viewers as a “classic AI finger glitch,” a common visual artefact sometimes associated with AI-generated images or videos.
Background movement questioned
Other users also questioned the background in the video, noting that a curtain appeared to move while two Israeli flags behind the Prime Minister remained still.
One social media user claimed the curtain seemed to move in a repetitive pattern, suggesting the background might be digitally generated.
However, others rejected that claim, pointing out that many broadcasts and press conferences use virtual or static backgrounds, which can create similar visual effects.
AI fact-check response
The viral claim was also addressed by Grok, which said the images circulating online likely showed optical illusions caused by shadows, hand angles, or natural palm features.
According to the AI chatbot, official footage released by the Israel Government Press Office shows Netanyahu with the normal five fingers on each hand.
The Prime Minister’s office has not indicated any security incident involving Netanyahu, reiterating that the assassination rumours spreading online are false.
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