Israeli PM Netanyahu Safe, Death Rumours Called Fake By Office
Netanyahu’s office denies death rumours, confirms Israeli PM is safe.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has firmly dismissed circulating rumors of his death as "fake news," reassuring the public that "the PM is fine" amid heightened tensions in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. The statement follows a wave of unverified claims originating from Iranian media outlets like Tasnim News Agency and IRGC-linked sources, which speculated on March 8-13, 2026, that Netanyahu was killed or injured in missile strikes targeting his residence or office. These rumors gained traction on social media through AI-generated videos, manipulated photos showing him wounded in rubble, and false narratives about anomalies like "six fingers" in official footage or his son Yair's posting silence.
Netanyahu's office countered swiftly by releasing recent footage of meetings and public addresses, including a March 12 press conference where he threatened Iran's new leadership and confirmed Israeli operations eliminating Iranian nuclear scientists. Fact-checkers like Snopes, Reuters, and The Jerusalem Post have repeatedly debunked the claims, noting his active schedule such as a March 7 statement and a call with French President Macron on March 5.
Also Read: IRGC Says It Will Continue To Target Netanyahu As War Rages In Middle East
This episode echoes earlier wartime disinformation campaigns during the Israel-Iran-US escalations, where Iranian propaganda exploited gaps in footage or security tightenings around Netanyahu's locations to sow chaos. Independent verifications, including from Al Jazeera and the Israeli government's portal, affirm his ongoing public engagements, undercutting the central premises of the rumors.
The timing aligns with intensified strikes, including joint US-Israeli actions against Ayatollah Khamenei's successors, prompting Iran's retaliatory rhetoric. Netanyahu's team emphasized that such fabrications aim to undermine Israeli morale and international support during critical operations.
Israeli authorities continue monitoring online spaces to curb misinformation, while Netanyahu remains visibly active, vowing to dismantle threats from Tehran. The incident highlights the role of digital propaganda in modern conflicts, with officials urging reliance on verified channels.
Also Read: Netanyahu Vows: 'Operation Lion’s Roar' Removes Existential Threat Posed by Iran
