Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Sunday threatened to hunt down and kill Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, escalating rhetoric as tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States continue to intensify.

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

“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 emerged amid widespread speculation online regarding Netanyahu’s health and whereabouts. Rumours circulating on social media claimed the Israeli leader had been killed in retaliation for recent strikes.

However, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office dismissed the claims, insisting that Netanyahu was in good health.

“These are fake news; the Prime Minister is fine,” the office told Anadolu Agency in response to the reports.

The speculation intensified after a video of Netanyahu circulated online, with some social media users alleging that he appeared to have “six fingers.” The claim led to suggestions that the footage may have been generated using artificial intelligence, further fuelling rumours about the prime minister’s condition and location.

The IRGC’s statement comes as the confrontation involving Iran, Israel and the United States enters its 16th day.

On February 28, U.S. and Israeli forces launched airstrikes on Iranian territory, marking a significant escalation in hostilities. Iran responded by firing ballistic missiles and deploying drones toward Israel, while also targeting U.S. bases and facilities in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan with missile and drone attacks.

The ongoing exchange of attacks has raised concerns about a broader regional conflict as tensions continue to mount across the Middle East.