Jerusalem — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed swirling online conspiracy theories claiming he had been killed in an Iranian strike, releasing a lighthearted video Sunday in which he orders coffee at a cafe and jokingly addresses the rumors.

In the clip posted to his verified X account, Netanyahu appears relaxed, sipping a drink while responding to speculation that exploded across social media. “They say I’m what? Watch,” the Hebrew caption read, translating to an invitation to view the proof-of-life message.

The video shows Netanyahu at a counter, exchanging greetings with a barista. When asked about online claims, he quips in Hebrew, “I am dead… for coffee,” playing on a common phrase meaning to love something intensely. He adds, “I love my nation to death,” praising Israelis’ resilience amid the ongoing war.

To directly counter allegations that a recent press conference video was AI-generated—sparked by a viral screenshot appearing to show him with six fingers—Netanyahu holds up both hands clearly displaying 10 fingers. “Count them,” he says, mocking the claims as baseless.

The rumors originated from a March 13 wartime address Netanyahu posted, where frame-by-frame scrutiny on platforms like X led users to allege an “extra finger” glitch typical of AI tools. Posts with slowed-down clips and zoomed screenshots amassed millions of views, with some claiming the footage proved he was dead and replaced by deepfake technology or a body double.

Iranian state-linked media, including Tasnim News Agency (affiliated with the IRGC), amplified the speculation earlier in the week, suggesting Netanyahu might have been killed or wounded in retaliatory strikes without offering evidence. Pro-Iran accounts and conspiracy theorists seized on perceived gaps in his public appearances, security cordons, and family silence to fuel narratives of assassination or hiding.

Netanyahu’s office swiftly labeled the reports “fake news,” stating plainly, “The Prime Minister is fine.” Fact-checkers, including Snopes and local outlets, debunked the six-finger claim as an optical illusion from camera angle, lighting, shadow, or video compression artifacts—not AI manipulation.

The new video, filmed casually in what appears to be a Tel Aviv cafe, serves as both rebuttal and morale booster. Netanyahu urges civilians to heed Home Front Command instructions, stay near protected spaces, and follow safety protocols amid missile threats from Iran and its proxies. He notes ongoing Israeli operations against Iranian targets and in Lebanon, withholding some details for operational security.

The clip quickly went viral, garnering tens of thousands of likes, reposts, and views within hours. Supporters praised the humor as effective psychological warfare, turning disinformation against its spreaders. Critics and opponents dismissed it as deflection amid the broader conflict.

The incident highlights misinformation challenges during wartime. Social media has become a key battleground in the Israel-Iran escalation, with both sides deploying propaganda, deepfakes, and rumor campaigns to influence morale, international opinion, and domestic stability.

Netanyahu’s response echoes past leaders addressing death hoaxes, but the AI angle reflects 2026’s digital landscape, where tools like generative video raise skepticism even for authentic footage. Experts warn such theories can erode trust in official communications and complicate crisis management.

As the conflict enters its third week, Netanyahu remains actively involved in security briefings and diplomatic efforts, including coordination with U.S. allies. His survival and visibility counter Iranian vows to “pursue and kill” him, as stated by IRGC officials.

The coffee shop video has drawn mixed reactions online. Some users called it a “masterclass in trolling,” while others questioned why a prime minister needed to prove his existence personally. One X post summed up the absurdity: “In 2026, you don’t just fight with missiles; you fight with finger counts.”

Netanyahu’s team has not commented further on the video’s production, but its informal style contrasts with formal addresses, aiming for relatability during tense times.

The episode underscores persistent rumors in high-stakes conflicts, often amplified by adversaries. With no credible evidence supporting death claims, focus returns to battlefield developments and diplomatic paths forward.

As Israelis navigate air raid sirens and shelter protocols, Netanyahu’s mock rebuttal serves as a reminder of information warfare’s role alongside conventional combat.