Did Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu die in an Iran strike? Viral ‘six fingers’ clip fuels false claims, AI rumours, but official sources confirm he is in good health

A viral video posted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has set social media abuzz, sparking bizarre claims that the PM appears to have six fingers on one hand. Shared on his X account while addressing the intensifying US-Israel-Iran conflict, the clip quickly drew millions of views, with some users suggesting that the video had been manipulated with artificial intelligence. Others took it further, implying that the unusual visual anomaly hinted at Netanyahu’s death, fuelling a wave of misinformation online.



The timing of the video added to its viral potential. The conflict in the Middle East, which began on 28 February with targeted strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has escalated tensions across the region. As military activity intensified, even small inconsistencies in public appearances were scrutinised, giving rise to wild speculation. The alleged extra finger, despite being a minor visual detail, became the centrepiece of countless social media posts and commentary threads.





Following the video’s circulation, several users claimed Netanyahu’s right hand appeared to show an additional finger, dubbing it a “classic AI glitch.” Screenshots and clips were shared with captions urging viewers to look closely at the prime minister’s hand. Unverified accounts quickly started circulating rumours suggesting that Netanyahu may have passed away, prompting discussions among international audiences.



Prominent personalities also weighed in on the speculation. American commentator Candace Owens questioned the authenticity of the video, implying that Netanyahu’s office might be releasing and deleting manipulated content. Posts like these amplified the online frenzy, highlighting how AI-generated anomalies can be misinterpreted and widely shared in an age dominated by social media.





Despite the frenzy, the claims were quickly disproved. X’s AI chatbot, Grok, clarified that the “extra finger” was simply an optical illusion caused by the angle of Netanyahu’s pointing gesture at the podium. The chatbot confirmed that the prime minister has the standard five fingers on each hand and emphasised that no AI manipulation had occurred.

Further reinforcing the truth, Grok addressed circulating rumours about Netanyahu’s death, confirming them to be false. Fact-checkers, including Snopes and Times of Israel, verified that no credible source had reported any fatal incident involving the Israeli leader. Netanyahu remains active in his duties, with continued updates on his verified social media channels providing further evidence against the misinformation.



This incident underscores the rapid spread of false information in a digital-first world. Even minor visual anomalies can be misinterpreted and amplified, particularly during times of geopolitical tension. It also serves as a reminder for the public to rely on verified sources and exercise caution before believing or sharing viral content.

As the situation in the Middle East continues to unfold, Netanyahu’s visibility in official communications remains critical for both global audiences and domestic citizens. While social media thrives on sensationalism, this episode reinforces the importance of separating fact from fiction in an era where AI and misinformation can easily distort reality. The “six-finger” controversy may have sparked curiosity and debate, but it ultimately highlights the enduring need for verified reporting.