Following a video posted on 15/3 to mock conspiracy theories about his death in an Iranian missile attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today released a 90-second video. The footage shows him interacting with people at a location in the Jerusalem hills.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a video posted on 16/3. Video: X/Benjamin Netanyahu

The new video also appeared to be filmed on 15/3, as Netanyahu was seen near the coffee shop from the previous video, wearing the same outfit. In his post, with the message, "Follow the instructions and together we will win", he stressed the importance of getting fresh air, inquired about the nearest shelter from those around him, and urged patience as the conflict with Iran persists.

The release of the two videos coincided with growing social media speculation about Netanyahu's death. This intensified after Iran's state news agency IRNA posted on X that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had vowed to hunt down the Israeli prime minister "if he is still alive".

In the video posted on 15/3, Netanyahu stated, "I am dying for a cup of coffee. I also love my country to death", apparently using a play on the word "death" to address the rumors.

However, this video also sparked controversy. Some social media users claimed it was AI-generated, citing that the Israeli prime minister's coffee cup did not appear to diminish despite him drinking from it.

Israel's ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, today dismissed accusations that the video of the prime minister at the coffee shop was an AI-generated product, asserting they were "misinformation".

"Prime minister Netanyahu is alive. I have met him many times in Israel. The video at the coffee shop is not AI-faked. A lot of misinformation is being spread", Azar stated.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the coffee shop video posted on 15/3. Video: Times of Israel

Since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on 28/2, Netanyahu has visited at least two towns struck by Iranian missiles, a hospital, a port, and military bases. However, he has had minimal contact with the media, with videos of these visits exclusively released by his office.

The Israeli prime minister, known for rarely granting interviews to Israeli media or holding press conferences, convened his first press conference since the conflict began, held online on 12/3.

Vu Hoang (According to Times of Israel, AFP, Reuters)