Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, has dismissed rumours circulating on social media claiming he had died, responding with humour in a short video posted online on Sunday.
In the video shared on his official X account, Netanyahu appeared relaxed while sitting at a café outside Jerusalem, joking about the viral speculation.
“I’m dead for coffee,” he said sarcastically while receiving a steaming cup of coffee. The remark referenced a colloquial Hebrew expression used to describe something a person loves intensely.
The Israeli leader also addressed another rumour circulating online that his recent televised speech was generated using artificial intelligence.
Netanyahu jokingly responded to claims that his appearance in a previous broadcast looked digitally manipulated.
Social media users had suggested the video might have been AI-generated after some viewers claimed he appeared to have six fingers on one hand.
Responding to the speculation, Netanyahu raised his hands toward the camera and asked, “Do you want to count the number of fingers.
Despite the light-hearted tone, Netanyahu used the video to urge Israeli citizens to remain alert and follow safety instructions in the event of incoming rocket attacks.
He praised the resilience of Israelis during the ongoing conflict in the region.
“Your resilience gives strength to me, to the government, to the army, and to the Mossad,” he said, referring to Israel’s intelligence agency, the Mossad.
Netanyahu also indicated that Israeli forces were continuing military operations against Iran and groups allied with Tehran.
“We are doing things that I cannot share at this moment, but we are striking Iran very hard, and also Lebanon,” he said.
The comments come as tensions between Israel and Iran remain high amid an ongoing conflict involving the United States.
Meanwhile, Iran’s elite military force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reportedly issued a threat against Netanyahu, vowing to pursue and kill the Israeli leader if the opportunity arises, according to Iran’s state news agency Islamic Republic News Agency.
The war between Israel and Iran, backed by the United States, has now entered its third week, raising concerns about further escalation across the Middle East.
