Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces yet another health challenge as he continues to navigate multiple crises in the Middle East.
According to Just the News, Netanyahu will undergo surgery on Sunday to remove his prostate after doctors discovered a urinary tract infection caused by benign prostate enlargement, leading to the postponement of his scheduled corruption trial testimony.
The 75-year-old leader will receive the medical procedure at Jerusalem's Hadassah Medical Center, where he will remain hospitalized for several days under full anesthesia. Justice Minister Yariv Levin has been designated as caretaker prime minister during Netanyahu's temporary incapacitation, while Defense Minister Israel Katz will oversee the political-security cabinet.
The upcoming prostate surgery adds to a series of health concerns that have affected the prime minister's tenure over the past year. In 2023, Netanyahu underwent pacemaker surgery to address an irregular heartbeat and was hospitalized for dehydration. He also had hernia surgery earlier this year, marking a pattern of medical interventions that have occasionally interrupted his leadership duties.
The Prime Minister's Office released a statement detailing the circumstances leading to the surgery decision:
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent an examination at Hadassah Hospital, where a urinary tract infection caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia was detected. Over the past few days, the prime minister has received antibiotic treatment, which successfully eradicated the infection. Consequently, the prime minister will undergo a procedure tomorrow to remove the prostate.
Despite these health challenges, Netanyahu's office has confirmed that Sunday's cabinet meeting will proceed as planned, demonstrating an effort to maintain governmental continuity during this period.
The timing of Netanyahu's surgery coincides with significant regional tensions and ongoing military operations. Israel currently faces threats from multiple fronts, including Iran-backed proxies and terrorist groups, while still managing the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.
The temporary transfer of power to Justice Minister Levin occurs at a crucial moment when Israel requires stable leadership to address these security challenges. The arrangement ensures that critical decision-making processes continue uninterrupted during Netanyahu's recovery period.
The corruption trial, which has been a persistent backdrop to Netanyahu's leadership, will experience another delay as his attorney, Amit Hadad, secured approval from the Attorney General's Office to postpone the prime minister's testimony scheduled for this week.
The forthcoming operation represents a delicate balance between addressing Netanyahu's personal health needs and maintaining Israel's national security interests. The prime minister's medical team has structured the timing and approach of the procedure to minimize disruption to governmental operations.
The established chain of command during Netanyahu's hospitalization reflects careful planning to ensure continuous governance. This arrangement demonstrates the Israeli government's emphasis on maintaining operational stability during periods of leadership transition.
Benjamin Netanyahu's prostate removal surgery at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem marks another significant health challenge for the Israeli leader, necessitating a temporary transfer of power to Justice Minister Yariv Levin. This medical intervention, while addressing a benign condition, has prompted the postponement of Netanyahu's corruption trial testimony.
The prime minister's office has established clear protocols for governance during his recovery period, with Defense Minister Israel Katz assuming responsibility for the political-security cabinet to ensure continuity in Israel's defense operations.
