Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took to social media to personally refute widespread rumors claiming he had been killed in an Iranian strike. In a lighthearted video posted on X, he appeared at a café ordering coffee, very much alive and in good spirits. The clip quickly spread across international platforms, drawing millions of views within hours.
Netanyahu used a popular Hebrew expression to joke about his alleged death, quipping that he was only “dead for coffee.” He went on to express deep admiration for the Israeli public, saying their support empowered him, his government, and the Israel Defense Forces. The video struck a balance between humor and reassurance during a time of heightened regional tension.
The Prime Minister also addressed viral social media claims that a recent press conference had been artificially generated. A clip from that event appeared to show him with six fingers on one hand, fueling speculation that the footage was AI-produced. Netanyahu debunked this by holding up both hands clearly in front of the camera and inviting viewers to count his fingers.
Despite the humor, the backdrop of the video was a serious one. Israel has been engaged in active military operations against Iran and its regional allies, including strikes on Lebanese targets linked to Hezbollah. Netanyahu confirmed that significant operations were underway, though he declined to reveal specific details for security reasons.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responded defiantly, vowing to track down and kill Netanyahu regardless of whether the death rumors were true. Israeli state media carried headlines from Iranian outlets promising to pursue what they called a “child-killer.” The exchange underscored the dangerous and escalating nature of the conflict between the two nations.