Jerusalem, March 15 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday ridiculed the widespread rumors circulating on social media about his death, releasing a video showing him ordering a coffee at what appears to be a roadside mini-market.
Speculation has been rampant on social media for about a week, questioning his absence from public life, following rumors that surfaced after a video apparently showed Netanyahu with six fingers against the backdrop of the US-Israel joint attack on Iran since February 28 and the subsequent retaliation by the Islamic nation that has extended the war to the entire Gulf region.
On Sunday, Netanyahu posted the video on his personal X handle, where he is heard saying, "Great (to the seller giving him coffee), Thanks."
"What did you ask me?" he asks the videographer.
When told that there are reports claiming he is dead, Netanyahu mocks, "I'm dying for coffee."
"You know what, I'm crazy (equivalent to 'dying') about my people. They are behaving (conducting) in a fantastic way. You want to count the number of fingers. You can show us, here (raising left hand), here (raising right hand). You saw!" the Israeli prime minister said.
The video appears to be a response to some news reports speculating about his death, featuring a video where it seems that his left hand has six fingers, and therefore, is doctored.
Raising the coffee, Netanyahu further says in the video, "lechaim (to life)."
When asked if he wants to give a message to people planning to go out, the premier cautions that they can go out for some fresh air but should be near protected shelters.
"The way you (Israelis) have stood by is wonderful. It gives me strength, to the government, to the army, to the Mossad, and we are doing things that I cannot share at the moment, but we are doing things. We are hitting Iran very hard, even today," Netanyahu said.
"We are also continuing in Lebanon. You all are telling me to continue, and I am telling you all also to continue. Continue to listen to the Home Front Command and the Mayors to remain always close to the shelters," the Israeli prime minister stressed.
Netanyahu's video comes after earlier in the day, Iran's Revolutionary Guard said they will hunt down the Israeli prime minister.