A claim circulating on Facebook has alleged that Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is dead, sparking widespread reactions online and raising concerns amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
The post further claims that Israeli authorities are deploying artificial intelligence and deepfake technology to create the impression that the Prime Minister is still making public appearances, suggesting an attempt to hide a supposed leadership vacuum.
Given the weight of such an allegation, fact-checking organisation carried out a verification to establish the authenticity of the claim.
WHAT OUR CHECKS REVEALED
Findings by WITHIN NIGERIA show that recent updates from the Prime Minister’s verified communication channels contradict the viral claim.
Shortly after the rumour surfaced, Netanyahu shared a video featuring the American Ambassador to Israel, Ambassador Mike Huckabee, affirming that he is still alive and well when Ambassador Mike informed him that the US President wanted to come and make sure the Prime Minister was okay.
Further checks also showed that the Prime Minister posted a recent photograph of himself inside a central command room where he was seen assessing the security situation. In the image, he appeared healthy and actively engaged in discussions.
In addition, he released another video in which he was seen alongside key security officials, including the Defence Minister, Chief of Staff, Head of Mossad, and the Chief of Air Force, among other senior commanders.
ABSENCE OF OFFICIAL CONFIRMATION
There has been no statement from the Israeli government confirming the alleged death.
Likewise, major international media organisations, which typically report developments of such magnitude, have not published any report supporting the claim. Instead, reported on the video released by the Prime Minister addressing the rumours, which were reportedly linked to claims from the Iranian government.
CLAIM OF AI MANIPULATION
The allegation that artificial intelligence is being used to simulate the Prime Minister’s appearances lacks credible backing, as no verifiable evidence has been provided to support this assertion.
CONCLUSION
Available evidence shows that the claim of Benjamin Netanyahu’s death is FALSE. His recent public engagements and the lack of confirmation from credible sources indicate that he is alive.
The viral post is therefore misleading and appears to be aimed at causing confusion during a sensitive geopolitical period.
