Netanyahu posts video in response to online rumours that he is dead

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared a video of himself enjoying a cup of coffee and talking with his aide on Sunday. This came after Iranian state media spread rumors online claiming he was dead or hurt. The video was filmed at a cafe located on the outskirts of Jerusalem and was posted on Netanyahu's Telegram account. In the clip, his aide brings up the rumors, to which Netanyahu makes a joke about the word “dead.” In Hebrew slang, this word can also mean “crazy about” someone or something. As he reaches for his coffee, he says, “I’m crazy about coffee. You know what? I’m crazy about my people.” Reuters confirmed the location of the cafe by matching it with images of the interior seen in the video. The date was verified through various videos and photos shared by the cafe on that Sunday. Following the U.S. and Israel's attacks on Iran on February 28, Netanyahu has visited several places affected by Iranian missile strikes, including two towns, a hospital, a port, and military bases. However, media access was limited, and videos were released by his office. Netanyahu, who seldom gives interviews to Israeli media or holds press conferences, conducted his first press conference since the war began via video link on Thursday. This format is similar to what he used in June during Israel’s 12-day conflict with Iran. Since the war started, emergency safety rules in Israel have restricted public gatherings, forcing many people to remain at home or near shelters and safe rooms, with schools closed across much of the country.