Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a threatening statement on Sunday, pledging to track down and assassinate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Through a statement released on Sepah News, its official media outlet, the IRGC labeled Netanyahu a “murderer of children” and declared its intention to pursue and eliminate him by 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 reads.

The threat came amid internet speculation about Netanyahu’s health and location.

Israel’s prime minister’s office denied the allegations, stating the leader was in good condition.

“These are fake news; the Prime Minister is fine,” the office told Anadolu Agency in response to claims circulating on social media that Netanyahu had been killed in retaliation for the strikes.

The speculation escalated after a video of Netanyahu surfaced online, with some people alleging he had “six fingers”.

This sparked speculation that the video was created using artificial intelligence, increasing speculation about his health and whereabouts.

The IRGC issued its statement as the crisis between Iran, Israel, and the United States entered its 16th day.

On the morning of February 28, US and Israeli forces commenced air attacks on Iranian territory.

Iran’s military responded by launching ballistic missiles and drones at Israel and attacking US bases and targets in Bahrain, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan.