The rapid escalation in the Middle East conflict took a dramatic turn on March 2, 2026, when Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have launched a targeted missile strike on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s office in Tel Aviv (or Jerusalem, per varying reports), along with the headquarters of Israel’s air force commander.
The IRGC described the operation—part of what it called the “tenth wave” of retaliatory strikes—as a “surprise” attack using advanced Kheibar Shekan (also spelled Khyber or Kheibar) ballistic missiles. In statements carried by Iranian state-affiliated outlets like Fars and Tasnim news agencies, the IRGC asserted that the sites were “severely hit” and provocatively declared that Netanyahu’s fate was “unclear” or “unknown.”
The claim quickly ignited widespread rumors and speculation across social media platforms, with some users and unverified accounts amplifying suggestions that Netanyahu had been killed or seriously injured.
The reports emerged against the backdrop of intense regional hostilities, triggered by the recent assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint U.S.-Israeli strikes, which prompted Iran to unleash multiple waves of missile and drone attacks on Israeli and allied targets.
Israel swiftly pushed back against the narrative. The Prime Minister’s Office categorically dismissed the IRGC’s assertions as “fake news”, insisting there was no damage to Netanyahu’s office and no threat to his safety. Israeli media, including The Times of Israel, reported that residents near the prime minister’s office in Jerusalem observed no signs of missile impacts, and analysts labeled the claims as unsubstantiated propaganda.
Adding further credence to Israel’s position, Netanyahu appeared publicly shortly afterward, speaking from the site of a separate Iranian missile strike in Beit Shemesh—where nine people were killed—and vowed to intensify military operations against Iran while acknowledging the “painful days” ahead for Israelis.
Some international news outlets and social media posts initially circulated unconfirmed reports echoing the death rumors, leading to brief retractions or clarifications as official Israeli statements emerged.
The incident highlights the fog of war in an already volatile theater, where information operations play a key role alongside kinetic strikes. Iran’s claims appear designed to project strength and sow uncertainty amid heavy losses on its side, including significant casualties among IRGC personnel from ongoing U.S.-Israeli operations.
International responses underscored the broader diplomatic stakes. On March 1–2, 2026, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Netanyahu to discuss the regional situation. Modi conveyed India’s concerns over recent developments, emphasized the priority of civilian safety, and reiterated the need for an early cessation of hostilities.
The European Union has also called on Iran to halt its attacks, reflecting wider international efforts to contain the spiraling conflict.
Bottom line
As of March 3, 2026, reliable sources—including Israeli official statements, on-the-ground reporting, and Netanyahu’s public appearance—confirm that the prime minister is alive and actively engaged.
The IRGC’s claim of a successful strike on his office remains unverified and has been widely debunked as misinformation, fueled by the heightened tensions and propaganda in the ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran confrontation. While the region remains on edge with further strikes anticipated, these rumors serve as a stark reminder of how quickly unconfirmed assertions can spread in times of crisis.
This is Kyle Thomas, a professional writer, and a news editor. I started my career as a blogger who writes on various topics and then I decided that I should join a NEWS agency where I can work as a NEWS reporter. So, I joined a renowned agency in the town as an internet and after getting 2 years of experience, now I am working as a senior NEWS reporter for The Daily NEWS Times.
