The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent “successful” surgery on Sunday to remove his prostate, hospital officials said. The procedure took place while he manages several crises, including war in Gaza and his trial for alleged corruption.
Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center announced that the procedure had been “completed successfully.” The Minister of Justice Yariv Levina close ally, served as acting prime minister during the operation. Netanyahu must stay hospitalized for several days.
Netanyahu, who has had a series of health problems in recent years, has gone to great lengths to bolster a public image of himself as a healthy and energetic leader. During his trial this month, he boasted that work 18 hours a day, accompanied by a cigar. But as Israel’s longest-serving leader, such a grueling workload over a total of 17 years in power could take a toll on his well-being.
With so much at stake, Netanyahu’s wartime health is a concern both for Israelis and the world at large.
Netanyahu, at 75, is among the oldest world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, 82, President-elect Donald Trump, 78, President Lula, 79, and Pope Francis, 88, who have come under scrutiny due to his age and health problems.
Netanyahu’s latest condition is common in older men, but the procedure had some consequences. The judges overseeing his trial granted a request from his lawyer on Sunday to cancel three days of testimony scheduled for this week. The lawyer, Amit Hadad, argued that Netanyahu would be fully sedated for the procedure and hospitalized for “several days.”
