A short video of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaking during the ongoing Israel-Iran tensions has gone viral online, with some social media users claiming the footage shows an “extra finger” on his hand. The clip quickly sparked conspiracy theories suggesting the video might be generated by artificial intelligence. (International Business Times UK)
Viral Clip Raises Questions
The speculation began after screenshots from a March 12 speech were shared widely on social media. In the images, Netanyahu’s left hand appears to show six fingers while he gestures during his remarks.
Some users argued that the unusual frame looked like a typical AI-generated error. In recent years, AI image and video tools have sometimes produced distorted hands or extra fingers, which has become a well-known sign of synthetic media. (International Business Times UK)
Posts online claimed the clip proved the speech was fake or that Netanyahu had been replaced by an AI-generated version.
Experts Point to Technical Glitch
However, analysts and fact-checkers say the clip likely shows a normal visual effect rather than evidence of artificial intelligence. When the video is viewed in full, Netanyahu’s hand moves quickly while he speaks.
Because of that movement, the camera’s motion blur and video compression can make fingers appear doubled or merged in a single frame. These effects are common in fast-moving footage and can create strange shapes when the video is paused. (International Business Times UK)
So far, there is no credible analysis suggesting that the video itself was created by AI.
Rumors Fueled by Conflict Tensions
The theory spread quickly online partly because of earlier rumors about Netanyahu during the current Israel-Iran conflict. Some posts on social media claimed the Israeli leader had been injured or killed in a strike.
Those claims were never verified, and Israeli officials dismissed them as false. Netanyahu has continued to appear in official videos and statements released by his office. (International Business Times UK)
A Growing Pattern of Internet Conspiracies
The incident follows a similar wave of online speculation earlier this year involving actor Jim Carrey. After a public appearance, some users claimed he had been replaced by a “clone,” a rumor later denied by his representatives.
Experts say such theories are becoming more common as AI tools improve and misinformation spreads rapidly on social media.
Bottom Line
Despite the viral claims, there is no verified evidence that the Netanyahu video is AI-generated or manipulated. Most analysts say the strange frame showing an “extra finger” is simply a visual distortion caused by motion blur and video compression. (International Business Times UK)