JERUSALEM / NEW YORK — In a direct strike against a massive psychological warfare campaign, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appeared in a new video to debunk viral rumours claiming he had been assassinated. The reports, which dominated social media throughout Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15, 2026, suggested that the Prime Minister had been killed in a retaliatory strike following the recent U.S.-Israeli offensive against Iran.
The Birth of a Digital Conspiracy The rumours gained global traction after eagle-eyed social media users began scrutinizing a previous video address from the Prime Minister. Conspiracy theorists pointed to a specific frame where Netanyahu’s right hand appeared to have an extra digit, leading to the "six-finger" theory. This was widely cited as a "classic AI glitch," with many claiming the Israeli government was using a deepfake or a digital doppelgänger to hide the fact that the Prime Minister was no longer alive.
The speculation grew so intense that it prompted responses from international commentators and sparked questions during White House press briefings. The absence of a live public appearance for several days, combined with a reported security buildup around the Prime Minister's residence, created a "perfect storm" for misinformation to spread across platforms like X and Telegram.
"I'm Dead—For Coffee" Responding with his characteristic brand of sarcasm, Netanyahu released a short video today from a café in Jerusalem. In the clip, which was widely reported by the New York Post, the Prime Minister is seen sipping coffee and laughing with aides. He directly addressed the claims, sarcastically asking, "They say I'm what?" before holding both of his palms up to the camera.
Netanyahu counted his fingers aloud—five on each hand—to mock the "six-finger" AI theories. His office subsequently issued a formal statement to the Anadolu Agency and other international outlets, stating clearly: "These are fake news; the Prime Minister is fine." Experts have since explained that the supposed "sixth finger" in the earlier video was merely an optical illusion caused by a peculiar camera angle, shadows, and the natural shape of the Prime Minister’s palm.
A Tense Wartime Backdrop While Netanyahu appears to be making light of the situation, the backdrop is far from humorous. The threat is considered credible by Israeli security services, especially after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officially vowed to "pursue and kill" him in retaliation for the death of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
This psychological battle marks a new phase in the ongoing conflict, where digital manipulation and "deepfake paranoia" are used as weapons to demoralize civilian populations. As the "Second Iran War" enters its third week, the Israeli leader has used this moment to project an image of strength and normalcy, even as the region remains on the brink of further escalation.
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