Fact Check: Is Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dead?

WASHINGTON, DC: Reports of a major disagreement between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Iran have sparked widespread discussions online.

Amid these reports, an unverified claim has also gone viral, with social media posts announcing Netanyahu's alleged death as "Big News." The rumor has raised questions about his whereabouts, prompting users to share unconfirmed reports about his death. Let's fact-check the claim.

Claim: Benjamin Netanyahu is dead

The rumor began circulating after an X user named IsraelArmy shared a post claiming that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had died.

The post used a sensational headline stating, "Benjamin Netanyahu is officially 'Dea...'" and appeared to suggest that Israel had confirmed the news. It also included a short video showing Netanyahu's portrait with visual glitches to make the claim appear like a major breaking-news announcement. The post later stated, "Benjamin Netanyahu is official dead."

The post also featured a photograph of Netanyahu and quickly attracted attention on social media. Within hours of sharing it, the post reportedly received more than 9.5 million views, with several users questioning the claim and sharing their reactions. One user asked, "Please verify this news?"

Other users also joined the discussion. One commented, "Wow, I didn’t think is real." Another wrote, "Seems to be untrue."

A third user expressed concern, saying, "If it’s true, it’s very regrettable. That man is a great patriot and defender of the Jewish people! Now they want to get rid of him and put some Arabs in charge!! Just what we needed! God protect us!!"

Fact Check: The claim is false

The claim that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has died is false. Netanyahu remains alive and continues to serve as Israel's caretaker prime minister as of November 13, 2026.

On November 12, he held a security briefing with Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, who is involved in efforts to form the next government.

Israeli and international media outlets reported the meeting and confirmed that they discussed security and diplomatic challenges. Netanyahu continues to lead the caretaker government during the post-election transition.

Similar rumours about Netanyahu's death spread widely in March 2026 amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran.

However, Netanyahu personally dismissed those claims through video appearances, including a clip filmed at a café and another alongside the US ambassador. In one video, he responded to the rumours by saying, "Yes, I'm alive."

The latest viral post repeats the same false story without providing any new evidence. Recent public appearances, official updates, and news reports from Israeli and international media confirm that Netanyahu remains alive and active in his role as caretaker prime minister. Therefore, the claim about his death is misinformation.