Netanyahu posts video dismissing rumours of his death

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday released a video of himself casually having coffee at a café, apparently responding to rumours circulated by Iranian state media claiming that he had been killed or injured.

The short video, shared on his Telegram account, shows Netanyahu sitting at a café on the outskirts of Jerusalem and chatting with one of his aides. During the conversation, the aide mentions the rumours that had spread online in Iran suggesting the Israeli leader was dead.

Responding in a light-hearted tone, Netanyahu made a wordplay using the Hebrew slang meaning of “dead,” which can also refer to being extremely fond of something.

Reaching for a cup of coffee, he joked that he was “crazy about coffee” and added that he was also “crazy about” his people.

The video appears to be aimed at countering the speculation that circulated widely following reports broadcast by Iranian state outlets and shared across social media platforms.

According to verification by Reuters, the café featured in the footage matches previously recorded images of the same location. Photos and videos posted by the café on Sunday also confirmed the timing of Netanyahu’s visit.

Since the United States and Israel began military strikes against Iran on 28 February, Netanyahu has travelled to several sites affected by Iranian missile attacks, including towns struck by missiles, as well as a hospital, port facilities and military bases. However, most of those visits have taken place with limited media presence, with video clips released mainly through his office.

The Israeli Prime Minister has largely avoided direct engagement with the domestic press since the start of the conflict. His first press conference during the current war was held via video link last Thursday, a format he also used during a previous brief conflict between Israel and Iran.

Meanwhile, emergency security measures remain in force across Israel. Restrictions on public gatherings have kept many residents close to shelters or safe rooms, while schools in most parts of the country remain closed.