Netanyahu posts video to dismiss online rumours about his death

Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video on his official X account on Sunday evening, apparently addressing and dismissing circulating rumours regarding his death.

The video, as reported by the Jerusalem Post and cited by Dawn, shows Netanyahu preparing a cup of coffee. During the recording, he is asked about the ongoing speculation concerning his wellbeing. The post was accompanied by the caption: “They say I am what?”

In the video, Netanyahu is quoted by the Jerusalem Post as saying, “I love coffee, I love my nation.” The report further explains that Netanyahu used the Hebrew slang word “met,” which can mean “love” in slang but is also the literal word for “dead” in Hebrew. This led to a playful remark that could be translated as: “I am dead … for coffee.”

Netanyahu also appeared to make light of the situation by asking the person filming him if they wanted to count his fingers, a comment seemingly aimed at those speculating about a recent video of his. The context for these remarks comes after his office had previously dismissed the death rumours earlier the same day.

The video and Netanyahu’s comments are being interpreted as a direct response to the false reports about his death, which had been circulating online. The Israeli leader’s lighthearted approach, including his use of wordplay and humour, appears intended to put the speculation to rest.

No further official statements regarding the rumours were mentioned in the reports.