ISLAMABAD: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again addressed swirling death rumours by posting a new video on his official X account, appearing alive and well while sipping coffee in a light-hearted manner.
The clip, shared amid escalating tensions in the Israel-Iran conflict, quickly drew intense scrutiny on global social media platforms, with users dissecting every frame for signs of manipulation or disguise.
Rumours of Netanyahu’s death first surged in early March 2026, fuelled by unverified claims on platforms like X, Instagram and TikTok that he had been assassinated in an Iranian missile strike or related attack.
These speculations gained traction during the third week of heightened hostilities between Israel, the United States and Iran, including reports of Iranian vows to target him personally if alive.
Netanyahu’s office swiftly labelled such reports as “fake news” and confirmed the prime minister remained active and unharmed, citing his recent public appearances and statements.
In response to earlier viral allegations that a televised press conference video showed him with six fingers—an often-cited indicator of AI generation
The full video from Israel’s Government Press Office demonstrated normal hand gestures with five fingers visible throughout, debunking the AI claims.
Building on this, Netanyahu released the latest video on March 15, 2026, showing him at a café, receiving a brim-full cup of coffee without a lid.
He tilted and moved the cup multiple times while speaking, yet no liquid spilled and the level appeared unchanged even after sipping, prompting widespread online analysis.
Social media users highlighted the steady coffee surface despite motion, with some calling it physically implausible and evidence of digital editing or a masked appearance.
Others pointed to details like his nose, teeth, ears, fingers and even the cup’s contents remaining perfectly still, fueling theories that the figure might be wearing a sophisticated mask or using deepfake technology.
Critics argued that unless Netanyahu appeared physically in international media without such anomalies, the rumours would persist indefinitely.
Supporters countered that the video’s casual setting and sarcastic tone—joking about being “dying for coffee” in Hebrew—aligned with his style of dismissing conspiracies directly.
The prime minister flashed his hand to the camera, explicitly showing five fingers in a clear rebuttal to prior six-finger claims.
This followed his March 12 press briefing, broadcast live and covered by multiple outlets, where he discussed ongoing military operations.
Despite official confirmations, the rumours have been amplified by accounts linked to Iranian sources and various conspiracy communities, blending geopolitical tensions with online misinformation trends.
Experts note that such death hoaxes often emerge during conflicts to sow confusion, with similar patterns seen in past regional escalations.
Netanyahu’s office reiterated that he continues leading Israel’s response, with no credible evidence supporting assassination reports.
The latest video has garnered millions of views, but reactions remain polarised, with some praising the prime minister’s wit and others demanding more transparent, in-person appearances on global networks.
As the Israel-Iran confrontation enters a critical phase, these persistent online narratives highlight the challenges of combating disinformation in real time.
Israeli authorities continue to monitor and counter false claims, emphasising verified communications from official channels.
The episode underscores how quickly unverified details—from a steady coffee cup to finger counts—can dominate digital discourse amid high-stakes international events.