Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken to social media to dismiss recent rumors regarding his death. On the 15th of the month, he shared a video on his Telegram account, which featured him enjoying coffee in a cafe in Jerusalem. When asked by a staff member about the circulating rumor that he was actually dead, Netanyahu humorously commented using a Hebrew slang term associated with being 'crazy' and expressed his enthusiasm for coffee and his countrymen. He also jested about counting fingers, referencing earlier footage which led to speculations about the authenticity of his appearances.

The speculation about Netanyahu's death began after a video of his speech was released on the 13th. Viewers pointed out that he appeared to have six fingers on one of his hands, sparking outlandish theories that the video was artificially generated by AI. In response to these theories, Netanyahu reassured the public through his video that he is very much alive and participating in national governance. He encouraged citizens to take precautions during missile attacks but reminded them to maintain distance from protected areas to enjoy some fresh air.

Furthermore, Netanyahu addressed the security situation in Israel, asserting that the public supports him and various defense organizations, including the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Mossad. He emphasized that significant actions are currently underway, especially regarding military operations against Iran and in Lebanon, asserting that Israel would not relent in these efforts. This demonstration of public presence seems to intend to quash any unfounded rumors while reinforcing his commitment to national security and resilience.