Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly dismissed false claims that he was killed, posting a light-hearted video from a coffee shop as online rumours about his death spread across social media. The clip, which circulated on Sunday, showed Netanyahu joking about the claim and displaying both hands after internet users seized on an earlier video that appeared to show a visual anomaly.
Watch the Video:
אומרים שאני מה? צפו >> pic.twitter.com/ijHPkM3ZHZ
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) March 15, 2026The rumours gained traction after an earlier video of Netanyahu triggered online speculation that the footage had been manipulated, with some users pointing to what looked like a sixth finger on one hand. That claim then fed wider conspiracy posts suggesting the Israeli leader had been assassinated, even though no credible evidence was produced to support it.
Netanyahu’s office later issued a direct denial. According to reports quoting a response to Anadolu Agency, the Prime Minister’s Office said the claim was false and that Netanyahu was fine. The public rebuttal appeared aimed at shutting down the rumour before it spread further during a period of heightened regional tension.
Reports in Israeli and international media said the false claim had earlier been pushed by Iranian-linked media channels, including Tasnim News Agency, without proof of any strike on Netanyahu or official confirmation of harm. Israeli media described the allegation as a conspiracy theory and pointed to Netanyahu’s continued public activity as evidence against it.
The episode has again highlighted how quickly misinformation can spread during conflict, especially when viral clips, visual glitches and geopolitical tensions combine. In this case, a minor anomaly in a video became the basis for a fabricated death claim, before being turned into a political counter-message by Netanyahu himself.
