Israeli envoy calls Netanyahu death claims ‘disinformation’

Israel’s Ambassador to India Reuven Azar dismissed rumours of the death of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling them disinformation. Netanyahu also posted videos from Israel to counter speculation circulating on social media amid the ongoing West Asia conflict

New Delhi: Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar on Monday scotched rumours about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s death amid the raging West Asia conflict, saying “PM Netanyahu is alive”.

Interacting with reporters in Delhi, he also said a video of Netanyahu’s visit to a cafe in Israel was not “AI-fabricated”, dismissing the claim as spreading of “disinformation”.

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Meanwhile, Netanyahu on Monday came up with yet another video ‘showing he is alive’.

In the 90-second video shared on his personal X account, Netanyahu is seen interacting with people in the Jerusalem Hills. “Sticking to the guidelines and winning together,” he captioned the video.

The rebuttal from Israel’s top diplomat in India comes in the backdrop of several social media posts claiming that Netanyahu received fatal injuries amid the conflict in West Asia, which entered its 17th day on Monday.

During the media briefing on Israel’s Operation Roaring Lion, Azar was asked if Netanyahu was harmed in the conflict.

“PM Netanyahu is alive. I saw him when I was in Israel more than once. The video at the cafe is not AI-fabricated. A lot of disinformation is being spread,” Azar said.

He also accused Iran and its “accomplices” of spreading disinformation.

Interacting with PTI on the sidelines of the briefing, Azar said, “Look, this is a classical disinformation projection that the Iranians and their accomplices are trying to do. Our prime minister is feeling very well. I met him personally following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit (to Israel). He’s completely intact. He also showed that yesterday in a video when he visited a cafe in Israel. So don’t worry, he’s okay.” On Sunday, Netanyahu mocked the widespread news on social media about his death as he released a video showing him ordering a coffee at what seemed to be a roadside mini market.

Speculation had been rife for about a week, questioning Netanyahu’s absence from public space.

In the video posted on his personal X handle, Netanyahu can be heard saying, “Great (he tells the seller giving him coffee), Thanks.” “What did you ask me?” he is seen asking the videographer.

When told that channels were saying he is dead, Netanyahu mocks, “I am dying for coffee.”