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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today directly addressed and mocked widespread social media rumours claiming he had been killed, releasing a light-hearted video that confirms he is alive, well, and actively engaged in his duties amid ongoing regional tensions.
The unfounded rumours, which spread rapidly across online platforms, alleged that Prime Minister Netanyahu had died in an Iranian missile strike or related incident.
Some conspiracy theories further claimed that recent footage of him was artificially generated using AI, pointing to a perceived anomaly in a prior televised address where users alleged he appeared to have "six fingers" on one hand.
In a short video posted on his official X account, the Prime Minister appeared relaxed at a café outside Jerusalem, ordering a cup of coffee. With characteristic sarcasm, he quipped, "I'm dead for coffee," employing a popular Hebrew idiom that expresses intense enthusiasm or affection roughly translating to loving something "to death."
Addressing the AI and finger-counting speculation head-on, Netanyahu raised both hands to the camera, displaying five fingers on each, and asked, "Do you want to count the number of fingers?" He followed by dismissing the claims, emphasizing his love for the nation and praising the resilience of Israeli citizens in following safety instructions during potential rocket threats.
The video serves as a clear rebuttal to the misinformation, which his office had earlier labelled as "fake news," confirming that the Prime Minister is safe and continuing to lead the government.
This episode highlights the challenges of combating rapid online misinformation during periods of heightened geopolitical strain, including the ongoing conflicts involving Israel, Iran, and Lebanon.
Prime Minister Netanyahu's response underscores the importance of verified information and direct communication from leaders in countering false narratives.
The Prime Minister's office reiterated that he remains fully operational and focused on national security priorities.