Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again appeared in public to dismiss viral rumours claiming he was killed during the ongoing conflict with Iran, posting a video alongside the United States Ambassador to Israel in an apparent attempt to counter online conspiracy theories.

In the video released on Tuesday, Netanyahu is seen walking and talking with US Ambassador Mike Huckabee, while jokingly addressing the bizarre claims circulating on social media.

“I am alive,” Netanyahu said with a smile, before making a humorous reference to one of the online theories. “We shake hands with five fingers in each hand,” he added, responding to posts that alleged an earlier video of him appeared to show an extra finger, which some users claimed indicated artificial intelligence manipulation.

The Israeli leader’s appearance is the latest effort by officials in the country to counter what they describe as misinformation and disinformation campaigns spreading on social media.

Rumours spread during Israel–Iran conflict

The rumours about Netanyahu’s death began circulating online amid heightened tensions and ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran.

Speculation intensified after a video of the Prime Minister went viral, with some users claiming that the footage looked digitally altered. Social media posts suggested that an apparent “sixth finger” in the video indicated that the clip may have been generated or modified using artificial intelligence.

The conspiracy theories were further fuelled by manipulated images showing Netanyahu appearing injured, which were widely shared across various platforms.

Adding to the speculation, some online users also pointed to the silence of Netanyahu’s son, Yair Netanyahu, on social media, interpreting it as evidence supporting the rumours.

However, Israeli authorities have repeatedly dismissed the claims as false.

Light-hearted exchange in latest video

In the latest video, Netanyahu appears relaxed as he chats with Ambassador Huckabee.

During the conversation, Huckabee joked that US President Donald Trump had asked him to personally check on the Israeli leader.

“Mr Prime Minister, I want you to know the President asked me to come and make sure you were okay,” Huckabee said in the video.

Netanyahu responded with a smile: “Yes, Mike. Yes, I’m alive.”

The ambassador continued the banter, saying Trump wanted to confirm Netanyahu’s wellbeing because “you guys get along too well.”

The interaction appeared designed to highlight that the Israeli Prime Minister is safe and continuing to carry out official duties.

Reference to strikes against Iranian leaders

While parts of the video were light-hearted, Netanyahu also made a more serious remark related to Israel’s ongoing military actions against Iran.

At one point, he said: “Today, I erased two names on the punch card.”

The statement appeared to refer to Israeli claims that senior Iranian security figures were eliminated in recent strikes.

Reports indicated that the strikes targeted key members of Iran’s security leadership, including Ali Larijani and Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani. Iranian authorities and state-affiliated media later confirmed the deaths.

The strikes are part of a broader escalation in the confrontation between Israel and Iran.

Multiple appearances to counter misinformation

The video marks the latest in a series of public appearances by Netanyahu aimed at countering rumours about his alleged death.

In recent days, he has appeared in several short clips posted online, including footage of him visiting a café, addressing briefings and interacting with members of the public.

In one earlier video filmed at a café, Netanyahu joked about the rumours, saying: “I’m dying for coffee. Do you want to count the number of fingers?”

These appearances appear to be part of a deliberate effort by the Israeli leadership to directly confront false narratives circulating on the internet.

Israeli officials blame disinformation campaign

Israeli authorities have strongly rejected the rumours and accused external actors of spreading misinformation.

The Prime Minister’s Office described the viral claims as “fake news” and urged people not to believe unverified information circulating online.

Meanwhile, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Reuven Azar, alleged that Iran-linked groups were responsible for spreading disinformation as part of psychological warfare during the ongoing conflict.

Officials say such misinformation campaigns are increasingly common during periods of geopolitical tension.

Rising concern over AI-generated misinformation

The incident has also highlighted growing global concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence tools to create manipulated images and videos.

Experts warn that AI-generated visuals, particularly those that include subtle anomalies such as distorted fingers or facial features, can sometimes mislead viewers and fuel conspiracy theories online.

Governments and technology platforms worldwide have been exploring ways to detect and counter such manipulated media.

Conclusion

Benjamin Netanyahu’s latest video appearance appears aimed at firmly shutting down rumours about his death that spread widely online during the escalating Israel–Iran conflict. By publicly addressing the conspiracy theories and appearing alongside a senior US diplomat, the Israeli Prime Minister has sought to reassure supporters and counter what officials describe as a coordinated disinformation campaign.

As geopolitical tensions remain high, the episode also underscores the growing challenge of combating misinformation in the digital age.