FACT CHECK: Is Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Dead?

For the better part of Friday, March 13, 2026, posts circulating on social media claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had died following Iranian missile strikes.

The unverified reports alleged that Netanyahu was killed alongside his brother, Iddo Netanyahu, after missiles struck their residences.

Other claims suggested he died during early morning strikes on Sunday, March 9, together with Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Viral Claims About Netanyahu Being Killed

Some posts further alleged that the Prime Minister had been dead for five days after an attack on his home.

The claims also circulated a video said to show Netanyahu’s last public appearance on March 9 during a visit to a site in Israel reportedly hit by Iranian missiles.

In the footage, he appears with security officials as a journalist reports from an area with damaged structures believed to have been struck by missiles.

The claims further suggested that Netanyahu was killed shortly after that visit.

Speculation was also fueled by the online activity of Yair Netanyahu, the Prime Minister’s eldest son, who is active on social media and frequently comments on political developments.

Some users noted that his X account had not posted for several days, which they linked to the circulating rumours.

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Israeli Government Dismisses Death Claims

However, on the evening of Friday, March 13, the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel dismissed the claims in a statement posted on its official X account and urged the public to rely on verified information.

“Official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office: Rumors circulating on social media about PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s status are unconfirmed. We urge citizens to rely on verified updates. Efforts are underway to establish contact. PM Netanyahu remains committed to Israel’s security,” read part of the statement.

The tweet was later deleted, fueling further speculation.

Meanwhile, a video was also released on Friday through Netanyahu’s official social media channels showing the Prime Minister speaking at a press conference about the ongoing conflict with Iran.

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In the address, Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s military objectives.

“Yesterday at the press conference, I stood by the clear objectives of the campaign: striking the terror regime in Iran, continuing the fight against its proxies, and ensuring Israel’s security and future. We’re not waiting. We’re initiating, we’re attacking, and we’re doing it with force,” he said.

The Prime Minister also issued a strong warning to Iran’s leadership, suggesting Israel could target senior Iranian officials while acknowledging that the ongoing air campaign involving the United States may not necessarily lead to the collapse of Tehran’s clerical government.

However, the video has sparked mixed reactions online, with some users claiming it may have been manipulated or generated using artificial intelligence after viewers pointed out that, at one point, he appeared to have six fingers.

So far, the United States, which is allied with Israel in the conflict, has not issued any official statement regarding the viral claims about Netanyahu’s alleged death.

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