FACT CHECK: Video Of Netanyahu Being Compared To James Bond Predates Recent Lebanon Attack

Christine Sellers | Fact Check Reporter

A viral video shared on Facebook claims to show Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu being compared to James Bond following a recent pager attack in Lebanon.

Verdict: False

The claim is false. The video is not recent but was shared to Netanyahu’s verified TikTok account in October 2021.

Fact Check:

Americans are being advised to leave Lebanon by the U.S. Embassy in Beirut following recent pager attacks that struck the country, according to The Hill. Dozens of people were killed and thousands of others were wounded as a result of the attacks, the outlet reported.

The Facebook video claims to show Netanyahu being compared to James Bond following a recent pager attack in Lebanon. In the video, a man, whose face cannot be seen on camera, shows Netanyahu a photo on a cell phone and asks him if he’s aware that he is being compared to James Bond. Netanyahu responds by donning a pair of dark-colored sunglasses and saying, “[It’s] Netanyahu. Benjamin Netanyahu.”

“Although Israel and the IDF are not commenting on whether Israel is behind the pager explosions, the memes and jokes are non-stop. Even Bibi was able to joke around as he prepares for imminent war with Lebanon,” the video’s caption reads in part.

The claim is false. The video, which was first shared on Facebook in October 2021, originally stems from Netanyahu’s verified TikTok account. “Netanyahu. Benjamin Netanyahu,” a translation of the video’s caption reads.

@bnetanyahuנתניהו. בנימין נתניהו 🕶♬ Cinematic Inspiring Opener – Audio Infinity

Likewise, Check Your Fact did not find the video referenced in any credible news reports about Netanyahu or the recent pager attack that occurred in Lebanon. In fact, the opposite is true. On September 19, India Today reported the claim was false, indicating the video had been shared on the Israeli Prime Minister’s verified TikTok account in October 2021. (RELATED: No, Israel Did Not Drop A Nuke On Lebanon)

Additionally, Netanyahu does not appear to have publicly commented on the claim.

Check Your Fact has contacted Netanyahu’s office for comment.

Christine Sellers

Fact Check Reporter

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