Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has released a 'proof of life' video filmed inside a coffee shop, directly countering false reports from Iranian state media that claimed he had been killed in a missile strike. The video, which has been widely circulated, shows Netanyahu appearing healthy and defiant as he quashes rumours of his death or serious injury, while simultaneously insisting that Israel is striking Iran 'very hard' in the ongoing conflict.
Addressing Viral Conspiracy Theories Head-On
In a pointed response to widespread conspiracy theories, Netanyahu specifically asked the person filming to count his fingers during the video. This unusual request was a direct rebuttal to viral claims that a previous video he posted had been generated using artificial intelligence and depicted him with six fingers. By doing so, Netanyahu aimed to dispel doubts about the authenticity of his appearances and reinforce his physical presence amidst the chaos.
Iranian Media's False Claims and Subsequent Retraction
On Friday, Iranian outlets, including the semi-official Tasnim news agency, reported that Netanyahu had been killed or badly injured in a strike. These reports falsely suggested that footage of him circulating online was 'likely made using artificial intelligence' as part of an alleged cover-up. The claims spread rapidly across social media platforms, amplified by anti-Israel accounts, and fuelled intense speculation about the Israeli leader's fate during a period of escalating regional tensions.
Interestingly, the claims about Netanyahu's death were later quietly dropped by Iranian media without any explanation or correction, leaving many to question the credibility of the initial reports. This pattern of misinformation has been consistent, with anti-Israel accounts on X and other social media platforms repeatedly making false claims about the deaths of senior Israeli figures since the war began. For instance, last week, several accounts falsely asserted that an ultra-nationalist national security minister had died in a missile attack.
Netanyahu's Defiant Message and Covert Hints
Speaking in the new footage, Netanyahu struck a defiant tone, emphasising Israel's aggressive stance against Iran. He hinted at covert operations inside the country, stating, 'We are doing things that I can't share at the moment,' while also urging Israelis to remain close to shelters as the fighting continues. In a lighter moment, he added, 'I love coffee, I love my nation' – using the Hebrew slang word 'met', which can also mean 'dead', in what appeared to be a tongue-in-cheek nod to the rumours surrounding him.
He further highlighted the public's strength, saying it 'gives him, the government, the IDF and the Mossad strength,' reinforcing national unity in the face of adversity. Netanyahu's approach to communication has evolved, with him regularly posting video updates on his official X account and increasingly bypassing traditional media in favour of interviews with social media influencers, a strategy that allows him to control his narrative more directly.
Broader Context: Iranian Leadership and Propaganda Efforts
Meanwhile, the situation in Iran adds another layer of complexity. Mojtaba Khamenei, who took over as supreme leader after his father was assassinated on the opening day of the war, has not been seen in public since. Iran has admitted he was wounded in the same strike but insists he is still alive, with figures like Donald Trump commenting, 'I think he is damaged, but I think he's probably alive in some form,' and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth claiming he was 'wounded and likely disfigured.'
Some of the conspiracy theories targeting Israeli figures have even been broadcast on Iranian state media, which remains the only source of information for many citizens amid a sweeping internet blackout. As part of a broader propaganda push, Tehran has also sought to weaponise the Epstein scandal against senior figures in the US government, illustrating the multifaceted nature of the information warfare being waged in the region.
