Official announcements from the Israeli government or major news outlets

Netanyahu, 75, to Undergo Prostate Surgery on Sunday; Yariv Levin to Serve as Acting PM

Dec 29, 2024, 12:01 AM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to undergo surgery on Sunday at Hadassah Hospital to remove his prostate after being diagnosed with a urinary tract infection resulting from benign prostate enlargement, his office announced. The 75-year-old leader will be under full anesthesia and is expected to be hospitalized for several days following the procedure. Justice Minister Yariv Levin will serve as acting prime minister during Netanyahu's absence, while Defense Minister Israel Katz is authorized to convene the security cabinet if necessary. The surgery will take place in an underground facility amid concerns of rocket fire. Netanyahu underwent an examination last Wednesday that led to the diagnosis. The operation comes as Netanyahu's court hearings in his ongoing corruption trial have been postponed due to his surgery. Netanyahu has had prior health issues this year, including a pacemaker implant in July and hernia surgery in March.