Netanyahu will perform a prostatectomy after diagnosing its benign enlargement

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will have his prostate removed on Sunday, his office said, a procedure that comes as he manages multiple crises simultaneously, including the ongoing war in Gaza and his trial for alleged corruption.

Netanyahu, 75, is among a group of older world leaders, including the United States President Joe Biden82, and President-elect Donald Trump, 78, whose health and fitness are under intense scrutiny both at home and abroad because of their advanced age and the impact it can have on their leadership.

The Israeli prime minister, who has had a series of health problems in recent years, has gone to great lengths to bolster his public image as a healthy and energetic leader. During his trial this month, he bragged about working 18-hour days.

But as Israel’s longest-serving leader, such a burdensome burden over 17 years in power could also take its toll.

Because of the prostration procedure, Netanyahu’s lawyer, Amit Haddad, said in a letter to the court that the Israeli prime minister will be fully anesthetized and hospitalized “for several days,” requesting that his three-day testimony this week be cancelled. The court agreed.

With so much at stake in the volatile region, Netanyahu’s office said Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, will serve as acting prime minister during the proceedings.

According to Netanyahu’s office, the Israeli leader was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection on Wednesday caused by a benign enlargement of the prostate. Dr. Shai Golan, head of the urological oncology service at Israel’s Rabin Medical Center, told Israel Army Radio that the infection was successfully treated with antibiotics, but the procedure to be performed on Sunday will remove the prostate, most likely using laparoscopic surgery.

Netanyahu insists he is in excellent health, and his office has worked to craft a public image to support that – posting footage of himself touring war zones in full protective gear.

But he had several health problems before, including a heart condition that led to a fainting episode and a pacemaker to control his heartbeat.

This news came in July 2023 at a time when Netanyahu was dealing with massive anti-government protests Concerning a plan to reform the judicial system. Also last year, he was hospitalized with what doctors said was likely dehydration, staying up overnight, forcing the weekly Cabinet meeting to be postponed.

Earlier this year, Netanyahu underwent hernia surgery, during which he was under general anesthesia and unconscious. At the time, Levin, the justice minister, served as acting prime minister during the operation.

Netanyahu will be in the hospital at a time when international mediators will be as well Push Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire In Gaza, as violence continues there and fighting intensifies between Israel and the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.