Rumours on Netanyahu’s Fate Spread Amid War Claims

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Reports circulating in Iranian media have fuelled speculation that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may have been injured or killed during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. However, the claims remain unverified and lack official confirmation.

A report published Monday by Tasnim News Agency suggested that Netanyahu’s fate was uncertain, citing indirect signs rather than concrete evidence. The report referred to the absence of recent video footage of the Israeli leader, reports in Hebrew-language media about increased security near his residence, and the postponement of trips by Jared Kushner and US special envoy Steve Witkoff.

It also mentioned a French report about a phone conversation between Emmanuel Macron and Netanyahu, though the exact date of the call was not specified.

Tasnim further cited second-hand claims by former US intelligence officer Scott Ritter, which were published by Russian media. According to the claim, Iran allegedly bombed a secret shelter used by Netanyahu and that his brother was killed in the strike. However, Tasnim itself acknowledged that the claim had neither been confirmed nor denied by official sources.

The report follows a familiar pattern often seen in wartime information campaigns, where fragmented public information is combined with dramatic narratives to suggest hidden developments. Tasnim is widely considered to be closely linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has been designated by the US Treasury as associated with the Iranian military establishment.

Open-source information does not support the rumour. Netanyahu issued an official statement on 7 March through the Israeli prime minister’s office. Government records also indicate that he visited a damaged site in Beersheba on 6 March.

Independent reports have also mentioned his recent public activities, including a phone call with Macron that was reported by the Élysée Palace and covered by the The Jerusalem Post on 5 March.

This is not the first time Iranian sources have raised questions about Netanyahu’s status during the war. Earlier in the conflict, Iranian military outlets suggested his whereabouts were uncertain following an alleged attack — claims that were dismissed by the Israeli prime minister’s office as rumours.

A report by Xinhua News Agency on 2 March also noted that residents living near Netanyahu’s office had not reported any damage or signs of a missile strike.

Analysts say that in a rapidly evolving conflict, the absence of new video footage, vague official statements or sudden changes in travel plans can quickly become material for speculation and conspiracy theories.

Security arrangements for senior Israeli leaders frequently change during wartime, and official communication is often released in written form rather than through public appearances. As of Monday evening, no credible government source had confirmed the claims reported by Tasnim.

Israeli media outlets have described the report as unverified speculation, while no independent evidence has emerged to support the claim that Netanyahu has been killed or seriously injured. A separate report on Monday even claimed he had visited Israel’s National Health Operation Centre, although the images used in that report were later found to be old photographs taken at events on 3 and 5 March.