A dried fruit, nut and sweets seller in Tehran has become the subject of widespread social media attention and boycott calls after a video highlighted his close resemblance to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The footage, which circulated widely online, shows the shopkeeper seated behind a weighing scale in his shop. Viewers noted similarities in his facial features, hairstyle and expressions to those of the Israeli leader.
Iranian and Arab social media users responded to the video with a wave of comments. Some asked for the location of the shop, while others urged people to boycott the seller.
Turkish media outlets reported that several users called on customers to stop buying from the shop solely because of the resemblance. The reports said the campaign has hurt the shopkeeper’s business, and that he has expressed disappointment over the situation.
The episode comes amid ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, a backdrop against which Israel-related content regularly triggers strong reactions on Iranian social media.
