Israeli envoy says Netanyahu “alive and well”, rejects claims coffee video was AI-generated

Israel’s ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, has dismissed widespread rumours about the death of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that the leader is alive and that he has personally met him during a recent visit to Israel. Addressing the speculation, Azar said he had seen Netanyahu “more than once,” though he did not specify the exact timing of his trip. The clarification comes amid viral claims on social media suggesting that Netanyahu had either died or been seriously injured. In response to the rumours, Netanyahu posted a video on his X account showing himself holding a cup of coffee and speaking directly to the camera. The caption accompanying the clip read, “They say I’m what? Watch,” seemingly aimed at countering the circulating speculation.

Despite the video, several social media users questioned its authenticity, with some claiming that the clip appeared to be generated using artificial intelligence. Azar rejected these claims during a media interaction in New Delhi, saying the footage was genuine and warning that disinformation was being spread online. He attributed the rumours and misinformation to hostile narratives linked to Iran and its allies.

The café where the video was reportedly recorded also responded to the speculation. The Jerusalem café “The Sataf” shared images of Netanyahu visiting the establishment and confirmed hosting the prime minister. The rumours about Netanyahu’s fate had intensified in recent days amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, particularly following regional military developments and heightened geopolitical tensions.