The man, who reportedly sells dried fruits, nuts and sweets, attracted widespread attention after a video showing him sitting behind a weighing scale inside his shop went viral across Iranian and Arab social media platforms.
Viewers were quick to point out similarities between the shopkeeper and Netanyahu, particularly their facial features, hairlines and expressions.
The footage spread rapidly online, prompting humorous comments, sarcastic remarks and attempts by users to identify the shopkeeper and locate his business.
However, the incident has reportedly gone beyond online jokes. According to Turkish media reports, some social media users have urged the public to boycott the shop solely because of the vendor’s resemblance to the Israeli prime minister.
The reports also claim that the unexpected attention has affected the shopkeeper’s business and left him distressed. However, these claims have not been independently verified.
The video has also circulated in Arab media, with reports describing it as footage of an apparently real shopkeeper rather than an artificially generated character.
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Nevertheless, the original source of the recording, the date it was filmed and the vendor’s identity remain unconfirmed.
The incident comes amid continuing tensions between Iran and Israel, with developments involving Israeli political figures remaining a prominent subject of public discussion in Iran.
While physical similarities between ordinary people and prominent political figures often spark online humour, the reported boycott calls have given this viral episode a political dimension.
