Is Benjamin Netanyahu Still Alive? Viral Coffee Shop Clip Triggers Deepfake Debate

When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared calmly sipping coffee in a café and addressing rumours about his death, the video seemed intended to settle speculation once and for all. Instead, it sparked a fresh wave of doubt across social media.

Within hours of its release, the short clip—shared through the prime minister's official accounts—became the centre of a growing debate about artificial intelligence, deepfake videos and the reliability of information online.

A Video to Dispel Death Rumours

The video, filmed in a café in Jerusalem, shows the 76-year-old Israeli leader speaking casually while seated with a cup of coffee. In the clip, Netanyahu directly addresses rumours circulating online that he had been assassinated amid rising regional tensions.

Those rumours had spread rapidly after a brief period in which the prime minister had not posted updates on social media, leading some conspiracy-minded users to speculate that something had happened to him. To counter the claims, Netanyahu's office shared the café video along with other updates, suggesting that the prime minister was continuing his duties as usual. Yet instead of ending the speculation, the video quickly created a new controversy.

Grok's Claim Sparks Deepfake Speculation

The debate intensified after Grok—the artificial-intelligence chatbot integrated with X—responded to user questions about the clip. In one widely shared response, the chatbot claimed the video was 'AI-generated' and later said it was '100% deepfake'. Screenshots of the response quickly spread online, fuelling speculation that the footage might not be authentic. However, there is currently no verified evidence confirming the video is a deepfake, and the clip remains publicly available on the prime minister's official accounts.

Experts say chatbot responses should not be treated as definitive proof, especially when analysing media authenticity.

Earlier Claims Already Debunked

The café clip was not the first piece of viral content linked to the rumours about Netanyahu. Earlier videos circulating online claimed the prime minister had six fingers on one hand, a common sign often associated with AI-generated images.

The claim was later investigated and dismissed as false by Anadolu Agency, which concluded the visual distortion likely came from compression or editing artefacts rather than artificial intelligence. Despite the debunking, the theory continued to circulate widely across social platforms.

Rumours Amid Rising Tensions

The wave of speculation has emerged during a period of heightened geopolitical tension involving Israel and Iran. Following reports of military strikes and escalating rhetoric between the two countries, online discussion about political leaders has intensified dramatically.

In that atmosphere, even minor gaps in public appearances or social-media activity have triggered conspiracy theories, including unverified claims that Netanyahu had fled to Berlin or had been targeted in an assassination attempt. None of those claims has been confirmed.

Where Netanyahu Is Now

According to updates from the Israeli prime minister's office, Netanyahu remains in Israel and continues to make public appearances and share statements through official channels. Videos and clips released through government accounts show him participating in meetings and addressing developments related to the ongoing regional situation. While the café video appears to show him relaxed and engaging directly with the camera, the debate surrounding it highlights a deeper problem facing modern politics.