Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu is set to undergo prostate removal surgery on Sunday following a diagnosis of a urinary tract infection.
The 75-year-old leader was examined at Hadassah Hospital on Wednesday, where tests revealed “a urinary tract infection resulting from a benign prostate enlargement,” as stated by his office.
“As a result, the prime minister will undergo prostate removal surgery tomorrow,” the statement added.
The prime minister will remain hospitalized for several days, according to his attorney, Amit Hadad, who submitted a request Sunday to the Tel Aviv District Court to cancel his scheduled testimony this week in his ongoing corruption trial. The Attorney General’s Office approved the request on Sunday.
Justice Minister Yariv Levin will act as caretaker prime minister while Netanyahu is incapacitated. Defense Minister Israel Katz will serve as chairman of the political-security cabinet.
In March, Netanyahu underwent hernia surgery, and in July of the previous year, a pacemaker was implanted following a medical emergency.
READ ALSO: Corruption trial: Israel’s PM Netanyahu in court to testify
Sunday’s procedure coincides with the Israeli military’s announcement of a raid on one of the last operational hospitals in northern Gaza, during which the hospital’s director was detained.
Israel has been engaged in a war against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip for nearly 15 months, sparked by the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks in southern Israel that left approximately 1,200 people dead and resulted in around 250 abductions. Of those abducted, about 100 Israelis remain captive in Gaza, with roughly a third believed to have died.
According to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza, more than 45,400 Palestinians have been killed, and over 108,000 others have been injured in the conflict. Their reports do not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
Earlier this month, Netanyahu testified in his ongoing corruption trial. Additionally, this week, Israel’s attorney general instructed police to investigate Netanyahu’s wife over allegations of harassing political opponents and a witness in the trial.
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