Iran–Israel Conflict Escalates As IRGC Threatens To Kill Netanyahu

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has threatened to hunt down and kill Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as tensions between Iran and Israel continue to escalate amid the ongoing regional confrontation.

In a statement published Sunday on Sepah News, the official website of the IRGC, the group described Netanyahu as a “child-killing criminal” and vowed to pursue him.

“If this criminal, the killer of children, is still alive, we will continue working to hunt him down and kill him with all our strength,” the statement said.

The threat comes amid intensifying hostilities in the Middle East involving Iran, Israel and the United States, with both sides exchanging accusations and military actions.

The statement also emerged alongside growing speculation on social media about Netanyahu’s health and whereabouts, after several online posts falsely claimed the Israeli leader had been killed in retaliation for recent military strikes.

However, Netanyahu’s office quickly dismissed the rumours as misinformation.

“These are fake news; the Prime Minister is fine,” the Israeli prime minister’s office told Anadolu Agency in response to the circulating claims.

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The speculation intensified after a video of Netanyahu surfaced online, with some users alleging the clip showed the prime minister with “six fingers.” The claim triggered suggestions that the footage might have been generated using artificial intelligence, further fuelling uncertainty and online conspiracy theories about his condition and location.

Security analysts say such misinformation has become increasingly common during the ongoing conflict, with rival actors and online users spreading manipulated or misleading content to influence public perception.

The IRGC threat comes as the confrontation between Iran and Israel entered its 16th day, raising fears of a broader regional escalation.

The crisis intensified after United States and Israeli forces launched coordinated air strikes on Iranian territory on February 28, targeting military installations and strategic facilities believed to be linked to Iran’s defence and missile infrastructure.

Tehran retaliated by launching ballistic missiles and deploying drones toward Israel, while also targeting US military bases across the Middle East, including installations in Iraq and Syria.

Iranian authorities have said the attacks were a response to what they described as “aggression against Iranian sovereignty.”

Meanwhile, Israeli officials maintain that their military actions are aimed at neutralising threats posed by Iran’s missile programme and regional military activities.

International observers have warned that the rising rhetoric and exchange of attacks could further destabilise the Middle East, with global powers closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation.

Iran–Israel Conflict Escalates As IRGC Threatens To Kill Netanyahu

Netanyahu dispels death rumours, appears in video from Coffee Shop

Isreal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed rumours circulating online claiming that he was killed in a recent Iran attack, appearing in a video to reassure the public that he is alive.

In the video posted on his X page, the Israeli prime minister was seen sitting in a coffee shop while addressing the speculation about his alleged death.

Reports had earlier surfaced on social media suggesting that Netanyahu was killed during an attack on Israel by Iranian forces amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Reacting to the claims, Netanyahu jokingly dismissed the rumours.

“They say I’m what? Watch,” he said in the video.

“I’m dying for coffee, you know what I mean? But for my people and how they behave, fantastic.”

The Israeli leader also used the opportunity to thank citizens for their support and urged them to continue observing safety instructions issued by the military.

“Your support is amazing, it empowers me, the government, the IDF,” he said, referring to the Israel Defense Forces.

“We’re doing things I can’t share now, but very strong operations in Iran and Lebanon today too.”

Netanyahu further advised Israelis travelling abroad to remain cautious and stay close to protected areas while the conflict continues.

“To those going abroad: go, but stay near a protected area,” he said.

He also urged the public to strictly follow directives from the Israel Home Front Command, which is responsible for civil defence and public safety during emergencies.

“To everyone: keep following Home Front Command orders at all times. Even heads of state, always near a protected room,” he added.

The video appears aimed at quelling speculation and reassuring Israelis as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East.

Pope Leo XIV renews ceasefire call, dialogue in Middle East

The head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, on Sunday renewed his appeal for peace in the Middle East, urging warring parties to end hostilities and return to dialogue.

Speaking during his weekly Angelus prayer at the St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff lamented the growing human toll of the conflict, saying innocent civilians had borne the brunt of the violence.

“Dear brothers and sisters, for two weeks the peoples of the Middle East have suffered the atrocious violence of war,” he said.

According to him, thousands of innocent people have been killed while many others have been displaced from their homes.

“I renew my closeness to all those who have lost loved ones in the attacks that have hit schools, hospitals and residential areas,” the Pope added.

The pontiff also expressed deep concern about the situation in Lebanon, which he described as particularly troubling amid the escalating tensions in the region.

Addressing those involved in the conflict, he urged them to halt the fighting and reopen channels for dialogue.

“On behalf of the Christians of the Middle East and of all women and men of goodwill, I address those responsible for this conflict,” he said.

“Cease fire! Let paths of dialogue be reopened! Violence can never lead to the justice, stability and peace that people await.”