the reaction
The video of Netanyahu that is going viral worldwide to debunk the hoaxes on social media
Sips a cappuccino, shows ten fingers, and silences the deepfake accusations.
Benjamin Netanyahu is alive and well, with exactly ten fingers. The Israeli Prime Minister humorously put an end to conspiracy theories claiming he was dead in an Iranian attack, by posting a video on his X account showing him in a café sipping a cappuccino. A social media twist that is making the rounds online, debunking rumors spread on Russian platforms and beyond.
In the footage, filmed today, Netanyahu enters a crowded establishment, orders his coffee, and addresses the camera directly. "I have a crazy craving for coffee," he tells the owner with a smile as he grabs the steaming cup. Then, holding his hands out in front of the camera, he challenges the doubters: "Want to count the fingers?" He shows one hand, then the other: "Here. See? Very nice. Cheers!" A simple yet effective gesture that mocks claims that his latest public images were generated by artificial intelligence, complete with absurd details like six fingers on one hand.
The rumors about Netanyahu's alleged death began circulating on social media in various countries, including Russia, fueled by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. According to the proponents of the theories, the Prime Minister was supposedly a victim of an Iranian attack, and the recent photos – authentic – would be evidence of a deepfake. But the video from the café, with its light and everyday tone, silenced the conspiracy theorists: "I love coffee. I love my people. How are they doing? Fantastic," Netanyahu adds, praising the resilience of Israelis.
אומרים שאני מה? צפו >> pic.twitter.com/ijHPkM3ZHZ
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) March 15, 2026
It is not the first time that Netanyahu uses social media to communicate directly with the public, bypassing traditional media. In a context of increasing tensions with Iran and regional instability, this episode highlights how online hoaxes can spread rapidly, leveraging AI to create misinformation. Fact-checking experts, such as those from platforms like Snopes or FactCheck.org, confirm that the video is authentic, with no signs of digital manipulation.
The reaction on social media was immediate: thousands of likes, shares, and memes celebrating the irony of the Prime Minister. In Italy, where Middle Eastern tensions influence political debate, the video is bouncing around on X and TikTok, reminding us of the importance of verifying sources in an era dominated by fake news.
Netanyahu, 76 years old, continues to demonstrate vitality and sense of humor, even in the face of provocations. While the Middle East remains a powder keg, this cappuccino could be the most "heated" gesture of the day.