Benjamin Netanyahu ‘fine’, his office says after AI video rumours spark assassination claims

The rumours began circulating online after users questioned the authenticity of a video Netanyahu shared on his X account during a press conference about the ongoing US–Israel–Iran War.

When asked by a correspondent from Anadolu Agency about the claims, Netanyahu’s office dismissed them outright.

“These are fake news; the Prime Minister is fine,” the office said.

Speculation began after social media users pointed to a frame in the video where Netanyahu raises his hand. Some claimed the image showed six fingers, arguing it was a typical AI-generated video glitch.

The moment appears around the 0:35 mark, where what looks like extra flesh next to the little finger sparked claims that the video was artificially generated.

The theory quickly spread online, with commentators questioning whether Netanyahu himself had appeared in the video.

Among them was American conservative commentator Candace Owens, who wrote on X: “Where’s Bibi?”—using Netanyahu’s nickname—while questioning why the Israeli leader’s office was allegedly posting and deleting “AI videos”.

Online debate over video authenticity

Some users also claimed the video background appeared unnatural, pointing out that curtains seemed to move in a repeated pattern while Israeli flags behind Netanyahu remained still.

Others rejected the claim, noting that many broadcasts use virtual or static backgrounds, which could explain the unusual visual effects.

X’s AI chatbot Grok later addressed the viral claim, saying the “sixth finger” was likely an optical illusion caused by shadows, hand angles or the natural shape of the palm.

“Full official footage from Israel’s Government Press Office clearly shows standard five fingers per hand,” the chatbot said.

War enters Day 16

The speculation comes as the conflict between Israel, the United States and Iran entered its 16th day.

Joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran began on February 28, killing Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei on the first day of the war, according to reports.

Iran has retaliated with attacks on regional energy infrastructure and has shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy route that typically carries around 20 million barrels of oil per day and roughly 20% of global LNG trade.