Is Netanyahu Alive? PM’s Office Slams ‘Fake News’ as Iran Vows to ‘Hunt Him Down’
If you’ve been doom-scrolling through Telegram and X over the past 48 hours, you’ve likely come across the question that’s shaking up the digital world: Is Benjamin Netanyahu alive? With tensions between Israel and Iran reaching a boiling point, the rumour mill has churned out some of its most audacious claims yet. Let’s separate fact from fiction.
PM’s Office Dismisses ‘Six-Finger’ Video as Nonsense
The panic began after a Friday press conference where Netanyahu addressed the nation on the ongoing military operations. Within hours, social media was flooded with freeze-frames from the broadcast, claiming his right hand appeared to have six fingers. "Classic AI glitch," declared the conspiracy theorists. "They've killed him and replaced him with a deepfake!" Some even pointed to the sudden silence on his son's social media accounts as proof of a cover-up.
But sources close to the Prime Minister’s office were quick to pour cold water on the speculation, stating that the Prime Minister is alive and well and that the 'six-finger' illusion is simply a trick of the light and the angle. Technical analysts have since explained that the supposed extra digit is just the natural padding of the palm, exaggerated by shadow. The official video footage, available on government channels, confirms the usual five-fingered hand.
Iranian Guards Issue Direct Threat: 'We Will Hunt Him Down'
While the internet argued over pixels, the real threat came from Tehran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) released a statement vowing to "pursue and kill" Netanyahu if he is alive. "If this child-killing criminal is still breathing, we will not rest until we eliminate him," the statement read. This chilling promise comes amidst the deadliest confrontation between the two nations in decades, following the death of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on the opening day of the war back in late February.
The battlefield situation remains fluid and intense. Here's what we know about the current state of play:
- US strikes: American forces have hit key Iranian infrastructure, including the Kharg Island oil terminal. President Trump has hinted at further strikes, with over 2,200 Marines deployed in the region aboard the USS Tripoli.
- Israeli operations: The IDF claims to have dismantled Iran's primary space research centre in Tehran and struck more than 200 military sites. Defence Minister Israel Katz says the campaign is entering "the final decisive phase."
- Regional fallout: The conflict has spilled into Lebanon, where strikes have killed over 800 people since early March. Even the US embassy compound in Baghdad was reportedly targeted by a drone.
Where's 'Bibi'? The PM's Recent Movements
Despite the threats, Netanyahu hasn't gone underground. His last confirmed public appearance was that March 13 press conference. Prior to that, he was seen chairing meetings with local council heads and visiting the National Health Command Center on March 10. His office has confirmed he remains in constant contact with military and diplomatic leaders, including discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about Iranian drone technology.
This wave of disinformation is reminiscent of last year's chaos. Back in October 2023, a shocking plea deal involving a high-profile figure named Powell dominated headlines, while President Biden delivered a prime-time address vowing to stand with Israel. At that time, rumours about Netanyahu's health also swirled, but they were quickly debunked. Now, with the stakes even higher, the same pattern is repeating: a frenzy of fake news attempting to destabilise an already volatile region.
The Bottom Line
In the fog of war, misinformation is a weapon. The "Is Netanyahu alive?" saga is a textbook example of how a visual illusion can spark a global conspiracy. For now, all official channels confirm the Prime Minister is very much alive and directing operations. The real story isn't a six-fingered deepfake—it's the very real threat from Iran and the escalating conflict that shows no signs of abating.