Netanyahu Shares Coffee Video Amid Death Rumours

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has posted a video on social media showing him enjoying coffee and conversing with a colleague, amid widespread rumours of his death or serious injury. The video, released on Sunday, was filmed in a café located on the outskirts of Jerusalem and shared via Netanyahu’s Telegram account.

The rumours originated from Iranian state media, which reported that Netanyahu had either been killed or severely wounded. These claims quickly spread across Iranian online platforms, prompting widespread speculation about the Israeli leader’s safety.

In the video, Netanyahu is seen responding to his aide’s questions about the circulating rumours. He makes light of the word “dead,” noting that in Hebrew, the term can also convey a sense of frenzy or excitement. Netanyahu jokes, “I am mad about coffee. You know, I am mad for my people too,” highlighting his characteristic blend of humour and political messaging.

The video’s authenticity and location were independently verified by Reuters, which compared the café’s preserved images with the scenes depicted in Netanyahu’s footage. Additional videos and photographs from the café confirmed the date and setting of the recording.

Since 28 February, following the commencement of Israeli and U.S. operations in Iran, Netanyahu has personally inspected at least two cities, a hospital, a port, and a military base. Access to these sites was heavily restricted for journalists, and all media footage was supplied directly from his office.

Despite the ongoing conflict, Netanyahu rarely grants interviews or holds press conferences. Since the escalation, he conducted his first conference via video link last Thursday, following a pattern established during Israel’s 12-day conflict with Iran in June of the previous year.

Israel has implemented emergency security measures nationwide, banning public gatherings and instructing citizens to remain at home, in shelters, or in designated safe rooms. Most schools have also been closed to reduce risk during the heightened tensions.

Summary of Key Details:

The video appears to be a deliberate effort by Netanyahu to reassure the public of his wellbeing and counter misinformation circulating internationally.