The video, filmed at a cafe in a Jerusalem suburb and posted on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Telegram account on 15/3, shows his assistant asking about recent rumors of his death or injury from Iranian missiles.

“I'm dying for a cup of coffee. I also love my country to death,” Netanyahu said, using wordplay with the word "death" to address the rumors.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the video posted on 15/3. Video: *Times of Israel*

Netanyahu also joked, “Want to count my fingers?”, referring to a viral social media video suggesting he had 6 fingers, possibly an AI-generated image. Fact-checkers dismissed this, explaining that the camera angle created the illusion of 6 fingers on his hand.

Addressing the public, Prime Minister Netanyahu encouraged Israelis to enjoy fresh air outdoors but to remain near shelters due to the ongoing threat of Iranian missile attacks. He affirmed, “Your stance is wonderful. It strengthens me, the government, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and Mossad. We are undertaking actions we cannot share at this moment, but we are striking very hard at Iran and Lebanon.”

The image caused confusion, suggesting Netanyahu had 6 fingers on his right hand. Photo: *BFMTV*

The Israeli prime minister also urged citizens to continue following official guidelines, promising that restrictions are being lifted as much as possible.

This recent video appearance follows a period of limited media engagement by Netanyahu since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on 28/2. Despite visiting at least two towns hit by Iranian missiles, a hospital, a port, and military bases, his office released videos of these visits, and he rarely interacted with the media directly. His first online press conference since the conflict began was held on 12/3, prompted by widespread social media rumors of his death or injury from Iranian missiles.

By Ngoc Anh (Reuters, Times of Israel, CNN)