Benjamin Netanyahu 'Sixth Finger' Theory Fuels Claims Israeli Leader Is Dead And Replaced By AI Videos

A conspiracy theory claiming that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been replaced by an AI-generated version of himself has circulated widely on social media following a televised press conference on 13 March. The speculation began after users claimed to spot an apparent 'sixth finger' on the Prime Minister's right hand during the broadcast. While the posts attracted millions of views online, there is no credible evidence supporting claims that the Israeli leader has died or that recent appearances have been generated using artificial intelligence.

The press conference focused on Israel's military objectives in the ongoing conflict involving Iran and its regional allies. In footage shared on his official X account, Netanyahu is seen speaking from a podium and gesturing with his hands while outlining what he described as the 'clear objectives' of Israel's campaign.

In the translated caption accompanying the video, the Prime Minister said Israel was continuing to strike the Iranian regime and its regional proxies while working to secure the country's future. 'We are not waiting. We are initiating, we are attacking, and we are doing so with force,' he said.

Press Conference Footage Sparks 'Sixth Finger' Claims

Shortly after the video circulated online, screenshots highlighting what appeared to be an extra finger began spreading across social media platforms. The images were frequently accompanied by claims that the anomaly proved the video had been created using generative AI technology.

Several users analysed individual frames from the broadcast and reposted slowed-down clips of Netanyahu's gestures during the speech. These posts suggested the visual anomaly indicated the presence of an AI-generated video.

Social Media Posts Amplify the 'Sixth Finger' Theory

One X user, William Ramsey, shared a segment of the speech and wrote: 'IS NETANYAHU DEAD? You can see this thing has six fingers on his right hand just a few seconds into this speech.' The post was widely circulated among accounts discussing alleged deepfake videos involving political figures.

Other posts attempted to link the claim to speculation about Netanyahu's schedule. On 15 March, the account Times of Iran News wrote that the Prime Minister was absent from a recent state military council meeting and described the development as 'very unusual'. The post included a video retweeted from French commentator Remi Philiponet, who wrote that Netanyahu normally presides over such meetings.

Netanyahu Responds to Rumours With Café Video

As speculation spread online, Netanyahu addressed the claims directly in a follow-up video shared on 15 March 2026. The clip shows the Prime Minister visiting a café in the Jerusalem Hills, where he interacts with staff and orders coffee.

At one point in the video he raises both hands toward the camera and jokes about the rumours. 'Do you want to count my fingers?' he says, appearing to mock the theory while displaying five fingers on each hand.

The visit was also confirmed by posts from the café's official social media accounts, which shared photos and video of the Prime Minister at the venue shortly after the recording. Images from patrons present at the time also circulated widely online and supported the authenticity of the recording.