Iranian shopkeeper Abbas Ghaderi has attracted social media attention over his resemblance to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with reports of customers avoiding his shop.
An Iranian shopkeeper has attracted widespread attention on social media because of his striking resemblance to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with reports that some customers are avoiding his business because of his appearance.
The shopkeeper, identified in some social media posts as Abbas Ghaderi, reportedly operates a shop in Tehran selling dried fruits, nuts and sweets. His resemblance to Netanyahu became a talking point after a video showing him sitting behind a weighing scale inside his shop circulated widely online.
Social media users quickly noticed similarities between the two men, particularly their facial features, hairlines and expressions. The footage spread across Iranian, Arab and other online platforms, generating humorous comments, comparisons and curiosity about the shopkeeper’s identity and business location.
However, the unexpected online attention has reportedly taken a negative turn. Some social media users have called for a boycott of the shop, arguing that customers should avoid the business because its owner resembles the Israeli leader.
Reports in Turkish media have suggested that some customers have stopped visiting the shop following the boycott calls. Other accounts have claimed that the publicity has affected the shopkeeper’s business. However, these claims have not been independently verified.
The shopkeeper’s identity also remains unconfirmed by reliable independent sources. Although the name Abbas Ghaderi has circulated online, the original source of the video, its filming date and the exact location of the business have not been independently established.
The incident has attracted attention against the backdrop of longstanding tensions between Iran and Israel. Netanyahu is subject to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued on Nov. 21, 2024, over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. The charges are allegations, not a criminal conviction.
While the shopkeeper’s resemblance has generated considerable online discussion, questions surrounding his identity and the reported impact of boycott calls on his business remain unresolved.
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