Speculation about the whereabouts and safety of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has resurfaced online after a video of him addressing the nation circulated widely on social media. The clip quickly sparked debate, with many users claiming the video might have been generated using artificial intelligence because Netanyahu’s hand appeared to show six fingers in one frame.
Why Did the Video Spark AI Speculation?
In the widely shared clip, Netanyahu speaks to the public during a period of heightened tensions involving Israel and Iran. Some viewers zoomed into the footage and argued that his hand looked unusual, claiming it showed an extra finger. Since early AI-generated images often produced distorted hands or additional fingers, many people quickly concluded that the address might be a deepfake created with AI technology.
Did Social Media Claims Say Netanyahu Was Dead?
Alongside the “six fingers” debate, several posts on X also claimed that Netanyahu had died. One viral post alleged that the Israeli prime minister’s official account had deleted a tweet confirming his death. However, the account sharing this claim was not connected to any official Russian government source despite its name, and the screenshot circulating online was fabricated.
What Did Fact-Checks Reveal About the Claim?
Fact-checking responses shared on the platform clarified that the screenshot was fake and that no such statement had ever been posted by the Israeli prime minister’s official account. According to the platform’s AI fact-check explanation, Netanyahu remains alive and the rumor about his death has been repeatedly debunked by media outlets and verification organizations. Reports cited by Hindustan Times also note that similar rumors circulating in Iranian media and social posts were unverified and misleading.
How Did Scott Bessent’s Reaction Add to the Rumors?
The speculation intensified after posts referenced a moment involving US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. According to viral claims, Bessent briefly left a press conference to speak directly with former US President Donald Trump and appeared visibly shaken when he returned. Some commentators interpreted his body language as proof that Netanyahu had died, though no credible evidence supports this conclusion.
What Is the Current Verified Information?
At present, there is no reliable confirmation that the video was created using artificial intelligence or that Netanyahu has been harmed. Official accounts associated with the Israeli government remain active, and no credible international news organization has reported his death. Experts also note that visual artifacts such as motion blur, compression, or unusual camera angles can sometimes make hands appear distorted in videos.