Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has denied rumors of his death. He confirmed his survival by releasing a video with the US Ambassador. These rumors spread amid tensions with Iran along with claims of being AI-generated.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has had to refute rumors of his death by releasing another video. False news was being spread on social media that he had died amid the ongoing tension with Iran. In his new video, Netanyahu was seen walking and talking with US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. He humorously dismissed these viral rumors.
These rumors intensified when some misleading posts and edited footage surfaced on social media. Netanyahu’s ‘six fingers’ were visible in these. After this it was claimed that these videos were made with AI or a digital lookalike was being used in their place. This new video was released to provide evidence of his safety and to reassure his supporters amid increasing tension.
During the light-hearted conversation, Huckabee joked that US President Donald Trump had personally asked him to visit the Israeli leader. To this Netanyahu clearly replied, “Yes, Mike. Yes, I am alive.” The two continued to joke about these rumors and even addressed the viral claims about their fingers.
In a post on social media accompanying the video, Netanyahu wrote: “It’s a good thing to cross names off the list – and it’s even better to do so shoulder to shoulder with our American friends. Nice to meet Ambassador @GovMikeHuckabee. Always a pleasure.”
Scroll to load tweet…
The Israeli leader also used the occasion to talk about the ongoing military operations against senior Iranian officials. He indicated that Israel is committed to working with its allies to counter threats related to nuclear ambitions and regional instability. It also became clear from his words in what big strategic environment these rumors are spreading.
Even before this, Netanyahu had talked about these rumors in an informal video made in a cafe. He then joked that he was “dying for coffee” and asked people to count their fingers to prove the deepfake stories wrong. His videos were widely shared online and received millions of views, reflecting the worldwide attention to this misinformation campaign.
Experts say that this whole matter shows how much the impact of misinformation spread by AI has increased in times of geopolitical crisis. Such false theories, fueled by social media algorithms and biased messaging, are making it increasingly difficult for governments to provide accurate information during conflicts.
Although Israeli officials and diplomatic representatives have repeatedly denied and confirmed that Netanyahu is alive and active, these rumors continue to resurface. This often happens when there is a major military movement.
So, this new video with Huckabee is not only a response to false claims, but also a reminder of how quickly misinformation can spread in the digital age. Experts warn that as long as tensions remain in the region, such stories will continue to influence public opinion and international debate.