Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a video on social media appearing to dismiss rumours circulating online that claimed he had been killed amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The video, shared on Netanyahu’s official account on the social media platform X, shows the Israeli leader preparing coffee while responding humorously to speculation about his alleged death. The post included the caption, “They say I am what?” and appeared to address the viral claims directly.
In the short clip, Netanyahu is seen speaking casually while referencing the rumours. According to reports, he used the Hebrew slang word “met,” which can mean “love” in colloquial speech but is also the Hebrew word for “dead.” His remarks were interpreted as a joke, roughly translating to “I am dead for coffee,” suggesting he was mocking the claims circulating online.
At one point in the video, Netanyahu raises both hands toward the camera and asks the person filming whether they want to count his fingers. The gesture appeared to respond to online speculation that a previous video shared from his account had been generated using artificial intelligence, with some users claiming the footage showed him with six fingers.
Independent verification of the video’s location matched the interior of a café where Netanyahu had reportedly visited. Images and videos shared by the café on the same day also confirmed his presence there.
Earlier, the Israeli prime minister’s office had already dismissed claims spreading on social media that Netanyahu had been assassinated during the current conflict involving Israel, Iran and the United States. Officials described the reports as false and confirmed that the prime minister was safe.
The rumours gained traction online after some social media users questioned Netanyahu’s absence from a recent war council meeting and circulated theories that a previously released video message had been manipulated.
The speculation emerged amid heightened tensions in the region following military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran earlier this year. Iranian officials have strongly condemned the attacks, and statements from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have included threats directed at Israeli leadership.
Despite the online speculation, Israeli officials have reiterated that the reports of Netanyahu’s death are unfounded and that he continues to carry out his duties as prime minister.