Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday mocked widespread social media reports claiming he had died, releasing a video showing him ordering coffee at what appears to be a roadside mini-market. Speculation had been rife for about a week over his absence from the public eye, with rumors intensifying after a video surfaced seemingly showing Netanyahu with six fingers—set against the backdrop of the US-Israel joint attack on Iran since February 28 and Iran's retaliatory strikes that have expanded the conflict across the Gulf region.
On Sunday, Netanyahu posted the video on his personal X handle. In it, he is heard saying, "Great, thanks" to the seller handing him coffee. When asked by the videographer about reports claiming he was dead, he quipped, "I am dying for coffee." He added, "You know what, I am crazy about my people. They are behaving fantastically. You want to count the number of fingers? You can show us—here (raising left hand), here (raising right hand). You saw!" The clip appeared to poke fun at earlier reports, including the doctored claim of six fingers on his left hand.
Raising his coffee, Netanyahu said, "lechaim" (to life). When asked about a message for those venturing outside, he advised citizens to get some fresh air but remain close to protected shelters. He praised Israelis' resilience, saying it strengthened the government, army, and Mossad, and confirmed that military operations are ongoing: "We are hitting Iran very hard, even today. We are also continuing in Lebanon. Continue to listen to the Home Front Command and stay near shelters."
Netanyahu's video comes amid heightened tensions, with Iran's Revolutionary Guard earlier stating they would hunt down the Israeli prime minister.
