Is Netanyahu Alive? PM’s Office Fires Back at ‘Fake News’ as Iran Vows to ‘Hunt Him Down’
If you've been doom-scrolling through Telegram and X over the last couple of days, you've likely come across the question doing the rounds online: Is Benjamin Netanyahu dead or alive? With tensions between Israel and Iran reaching boiling point, the rumour mill has gone into overdrive, churning out some pretty wild claims. Let's sort the facts from the fiction.
PM's Office Brands 'Six-Finger' Video as Rubbish
The panic kicked off after a Friday press conference where Netanyahu addressed the nation on the ongoing military ops. Within hours, social media was flooded with freeze-frames from the broadcast, with people claiming his right hand appeared to have six fingers. "Classic AI glitch," the conspiracy theorists declared. "They've knocked him off and replaced him with a deepfake!" Some even pointed to the sudden silence on his son's social media accounts as proof something was being covered up.
But sources close to the Prime Minister's office were quick to hose down 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 camera angle. Technical analysts have since explained that the supposed extra digit is just the natural padding of the palm, exaggerated by a 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 amid 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 situation on the ground 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 to ground. 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 primetime 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 letting up.