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Alive and posting: Israeli PM Netanyahu shares another video debunking fake death claims

Statesman News Service

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been releasing a series of video messages, appearing to directly counter viral rumours on social media that falsely claimed he had been assassinated. The videos, shared on X, show the Israeli leader in casual and public settings, reinforcing that he is alive and active amid a surge of misinformation online.

In the latest video message extended greetings to the people of Iran on the holiday season, expressing hope for the triumph of good over evil amid ongoing regional tensions.  Netanyahu said, “To the brave people of Iran, I wish you, as I do every year, a happy holiday season, beginning with the Festival of Lights. It signifies the age-old belief of the Iranian people that light will triumph over darkness, that good will triumph over evil.”

His remarks come at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East, with multiple global leaders engaging on issues related to regional security and stability.

Cafe Clip and Social Media Posts Counter Viral Claims

Earlier, Netanyahu shared multiple short clips, including one of him sipping coffee at a café and another interacting with people.

In one widely circulated post, he captioned a video, “They say I’m what? Watch,” in an apparent response to claims of his death. Another clip showed him raising his hand and showing his five fingers, seemingly addressing online speculation that an earlier video was AI-generated, showing him with six fingers.

 

The posts came after some social media users alleged irregularities in footage—such as a supposed “six-finger” visual glitch, fuelling conspiracy theories about artificial intelligence manipulation.

 

Israel Envoy Dismisses ‘Disinformation’

Reuven Azar also stepped in to refute the rumours, stating that Netanyahu is “very much alive” and that the café video is authentic.

He attributed the speculation to widespread disinformation, noting that he had personally seen the Prime Minister recently.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu is alive. I saw him personally when I was in Israel more than once. This video at the cafe is not AI-fabricated. There is a lot of disinformation,” he said.

Government Rejects Assassination Claims

Netanyahu’s office issued a firm denial of the rumours, calling them “fake news” and confirming that the Prime Minister is in good health.

The false claims gained traction after a recent press conference video sparked online debate, with some users alleging that the footage was AI-generated, claiming to have identified six fingers on the Prime Minister’s right hand.

Specifically, viewers pointed to a moment at the 0:35 mark where Netanyahu raises his hands, asserting that visible extra flesh near his little finger was a ‘Classic AI finger glitch’.

 

 

 

 

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