Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed social media rumours about his death in a lighthearted video posted on Sunday, mocking the speculation while reassuring citizens amid ongoing regional tensions.
In the video, Netanyahu jokingly said, “I’m dead for coffee,” on his official X account as he received a steaming cup at a café outside Jerusalem. The expression is a colloquial Hebrew phrase meaning to love something passionately, highlighting the premier’s sarcastic tone in response to the unfounded rumours.
He then raised his hands to the camera, asking, “Do you want to count the number of fingers?” This was a direct reference to speculation circulating online that his latest televised address was generated by artificial intelligence. Observers pointed to what appeared to be six fingers on one hand, prompting widespread conjecture that the video was digitally manipulated.
Netanyahu used the opportunity to also address the public regarding ongoing security concerns. He urged Israeli citizens to respect safety instructions in the event of incoming rocket attacks, emphasizing that their resilience “gives strength to me, to the government, to the army, to the Mossad.” He stressed that Israel is carrying out strategic operations but could not disclose details at the moment. “We are doing things that I cannot share at this moment, but we are striking Iran very hard, and also Lebanon,” he said, signaling ongoing military actions in the region.
The remarks followed a provocative threat by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps, which stated on Sunday that it would pursue and kill Netanyahu if he is still alive. The announcement was made via a post on X by IRNA news agency, which described the Israeli leader as a “child-killer.”
Netanyahu’s humorous response comes as tensions in the region remain high, with Israel, backed by the United States, engaged in ongoing military operations against Iran and its allies. By addressing the rumours with levity while emphasizing resilience and vigilance, the Prime Minister sought to reassure Israelis and counter misinformation circulating online.
The video quickly circulated on social media, drawing widespread attention and sparking discussions on both the authenticity of political videos and the impact of AI-generated content on public perception.
