Rumours claiming that Benjamin Netanyahu had been assassinated spread widely across social media, prompting an official clarification from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office. Authorities dismissed the reports as “fake news” and confirmed that the prime minister is safe.
Israel PM’s Office Issues Clarification
The Israeli PM’s office told Turkish news agency Anadolu that the viral claims about Netanyahu being assassinated were false. Officials said the prime minister is “fine” and urged people not to rely on unverified online information.
Viral Video Sparks Conspiracy Theories
Speculation began after a video posted on Netanyahu’s X (formerly Twitter) account circulated online. Some users claimed the video appeared manipulated, pointing to what looked like six fingers on one of his hands. This led to conspiracy theories suggesting the footage might be AI-generated.
AI Chatbot and Fact-Checkers Debunk Claims
The AI chatbot Grok on X and several fact-checking platforms clarified that the apparent “extra finger” was simply a visual illusion and not evidence of a manipulated video. They also confirmed that the Israeli leader is alive and that the rumours circulating online are unverified misinformation.
Son’s Social Media Activity Fuels Speculation
The rumours intensified after users noticed that Netanyahu’s son, Yair Netanyahu, had not posted on X for several days. However, there is no evidence linking his online activity to any alleged incident, and officials have reiterated that the prime minister is safe.
The misinformation surfaced amid rising tensions in the Middle East during the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran, a period when misleading content often spreads rapidly online.