Amidst the war escalation between Israel, the United States and Iran, the Iranian news agency Tasnim, linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), disseminated this Monday a report that suggests without proof that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could have been injured or even killed. The news has been widely denied by official Israeli sources and independent media.
The Tasnim article was based on facts such as the absence of recent videos of Netanyahu, alleged security reinforcements at his residence, the postponement of visits by US envoys, and indirect conversations with international leaders. But nevertheless, no verifiable evidence was presented that supported the claim of an attack against the prime minister.
Some experts point out that Tasnim mixes real public information with dramatic narrative, a recurring pattern in pro-Iranian information warfare, to create the appearance of hidden facts. The US Treasury Department has already identified Tasnim as close to the IRGC.
Netanyahu maintains public activity
Contrary to Tasnim's claims, Netanyahu has maintained official activity in recent days. His office published statements on March 7, and independent media confirmed that he visited a place affected by the attacks in Beersheba on March 6 and held telephone conversations with French President Emmanuel Macron, according to Elysée sources.
Israeli sources underscore that the security of leaders in times of conflict can generate changes in the agenda or brief lapses without public appearances, but this does not constitute evidence of damage nor of an attack.
This is not the first time rumors about Netanyahu have spread during the war. Previous reports from the Iranian army claimed that his whereabouts were “uncertain,” immediately denied by the prime minister's office. Analysts warn that the absence of visual communication or delays in diplomatic visits are frequently used to create conspiracy theories that circulate rapidly on networks and related media.