Jerusalem (Rajeev Sharma)— Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu broke a week-long public absence on Sunday, March 15, 2026, by releasing a video aimed at silencing widespread social media speculation regarding his death. The video, posted to his personal X (formerly Twitter) handle, shows the Prime Minister in a casual setting at what appears to be a roadside mini-market, ordering coffee.
Speculation had intensified over the past week as Netanyahu remained out of the public eye following the dramatic escalation of the U.S.-Israel joint strikes on Iran and the subsequent regional retaliation. Rumors were further fueled by a viral, allegedly doctored video that appeared to show Netanyahu with six fingers, leading some to claim he had been replaced by AI or that the footage was a pre-recorded fabrication.
Addressing the “Six Fingers” Conspiracy
In the new video, Netanyahu directly addressed the rumors with a touch of sarcasm:
- The Death Rumors: When asked by the videographer about reports of his death, Netanyahu quipped, “I am dying for coffee.”
- The Finger Count: In an apparent dig at the “six fingers” conspiracy, he raised both of his hands clearly toward the camera, saying, “You want to count the number of fingers… You can show us, here, here. You saw!”
- A Toast to Life: Raising his cup, he used the traditional Hebrew toast, “Lechaim” (To Life).
A Message of War and Vigilance
Beyond the mockery of social media trends, the Prime Minister used the platform to deliver a stern update on the ongoing multi-front war:
- Hitting Iran: Netanyahu asserted that Israel continues to strike Iran “very hard,” even today, though he noted he could not share specific details of the operations involving the IDF and Mossad at this time.
- Operations in Lebanon: He confirmed that military actions in Lebanon are continuing, stating that the public sentiment is urging the government to press forward.
- Public Safety: He cautioned Israelis to remain vigilant, advising them that while they can go out for fresh air, they must stay in close proximity to protected shelters and strictly follow the instructions of the Home Front Command.
The video serves as a defiant response to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, which earlier in the day issued a statement vowing to “hunt down” the Israeli Prime Minister. Netanyahu countered by praising the resilience of the Israeli people, stating that their strength is what fuels the government and the military during this unprecedented regional conflict.
