Former Egyptian Ambassador to Israel: Netanyahu May Be Under Al-Aqsa Mosque

Middle East News Network: Former Egyptian ambassador to Tel Aviv Atef Salem said that “some speculations suggest that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may be hiding in fortified underground locations in Jerusalem, possibly beneath Al-Aqsa Mosque.”
This comes at a time when rumors are escalating about an alleged assassination attempt against Netanyahu, amid conflicting information regarding his fate, before he later appeared and denied the claims surrounding him.
These reports come as strict restrictions are imposed on media and journalists inside Israel, which increases the level of ambiguity and allows rumors and unverified news to spread.
The former Egyptian diplomat noted that the Israeli government had previously held meetings in fortified underground locations during periods of tension. He explained that Netanyahu had held a cabinet meeting in a fortified room in 2023, reflecting the tendency of Israeli leaders to resort to such facilities during exceptional security conditions.
The former Egyptian ambassador to Tel Aviv said that rumors are often used as a weapon during wars and crises, but they usually spread when there is ambiguity and a lack of clear information.
Salem pointed out that the disappearance of some leaders or their reduced media appearances can occur for security reasons. He added that some estimates suggest Netanyahu could be in a fortified room or location beneath Al-Aqsa Mosque, as part of the protective measures that Israeli leaders might adopt during periods of tension.
In statements to the Egyptian website Sada El-Balad, Salem explained that what is currently happening in the war between Iran and Israel represents a clear example of this phenomenon. The uncertainty surrounding events opens the door wide for the spread of rumors and conflicting narratives.
He added that Israel has imposed strict restrictions on publishing photos and videos from inside its territory and has imposed heavy fines and penalties on anyone who photographs or publishes material that may reveal what is happening on the ground. This limits the flow of information and increases the state of ambiguity.
Salem said that this ambiguity makes it difficult to know what is actually happening inside some Israeli cities, amid reports of damage and destruction in several locations without clear visual documentation. In addition, restrictions on journalists’ entry and field coverage create an information vacuum that fuels the spread of rumors.
He also noted that this approach is not unique to Israel. Iran also manages the media scene in a similar way, as clear information about what is happening inside the country is not readily available, which opens the door to conflicting narratives and rumors about the fate of certain leaders or the extent of losses on both sides.
Salem explained that the importance of a personality or event plays a major role in the spread of rumors. The more influential and globally prominent the figure, the greater the attention to any news related to them—even if it is unconfirmed. He cited the rumors that sometimes circulate about the fate or whereabouts of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu as an example, noting how quickly such news spreads due to his political significance.
He added that some rumors may even be deliberately planned as part of what is known as psychological warfare. A public figure may disappear for a short period or avoid appearing publicly, which opens the door to speculation and various interpretations. Some narratives circulated by warring parties may also be part of attempts to influence public opinion or send political and security messages.
Salem stressed that the goal of rumors is often to influence the morale of populations or armies, or to create confusion for the opposing side. For example, some recent narratives claimed that Israel had run out of interceptor missiles—an assertion promoted by some Iranian sources to influence Israeli public opinion—while Israel quickly denied this and affirmed that it still possesses sufficient defensive capabilities.
He noted that this type of information warfare is not new; it is a well-known part of managing conflicts, especially in the Middle East, where rumors and propaganda are used alongside military tools.
He added that Israel has specialized units dedicated to information operations and psychological warfare, tasked with producing misleading information or exaggerating certain facts to serve political or military objectives.
Salem pointed out that history has witnessed many examples of misinformation being used during crises to justify military actions or influence public opinion.
Where is Netanyahu hiding?
Salem concluded that what has been circulated about the fate of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu falls within the realm of assumptions, given the absence of any official confirmation regarding his situation or location. He reiterated that the disappearance of leaders or their limited public appearances during times of war can occur for security reasons.
Source: Sada El-Balad.