Israeli prime minister posts video congratulating Iranians on holiday

Prime Minister Netanyahu's office released a video of him extending congratulations to the Iranian people for Nowruz, which marks the Persian new year.

"To the brave people of Iran, as every year, I wish you a happy festive season, beginning with the Festival of Lights. It symbolizes the ancient belief of the Iranian people that light will triumph over darkness", Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video posted by his office on the social media platform X on 16/3.

This was the third video released by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office within 24 hours, following social media speculation that Netanyahu had been killed in an Iranian missile strike.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks in a video posted by his office on 16/3. Video: X/@IsraeliPM

In the new video, Netanyahu stated that this year's Nowruz "holds special significance" and wished the Iranian people "a year of freedom and a new beginning of hope."

The Israeli Prime Minister delivered his message in English, accompanied by Persian subtitles. In recent years, Netanyahu has frequently sent video messages to the Iranian people.

The Israeli Prime Minister's video quickly garnered over 5 million views, tens of thousands of interactions, and thousands of comments and shares. Netanyahu's recent video appearances are attracting significant attention, following rumors of him being "injured or killed" by Iranian missiles.

Earlier, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office posted a video of him drinking coffee and chatting with people in the Jerusalem hills, aiming to refute rumors about his fate. However, these videos also sparked controversy, with some suggesting they were generated by AI.

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

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

The Israeli Prime Minister, who rarely grants interviews to Israeli press or holds press conferences, convened his first online press conference since the conflict began on 12/3.

His appearance in the press conference video raised skepticism, as some viewers claimed Netanyahu's right hand had "6 fingers". His office and several experts debunked this rumor, explaining it was due to the camera angle.