Israeli PM Netanyahu to undergo hernia surgery, second time since 2013

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to undergo hernia surgery, marking the second time since 2013 that the leader will have such a procedure. The surgery, scheduled for Sunday evening, comes at a critical juncture for Netanyahu, who is currently navigating Israel through a nearly six-month-long war with Hamas in Gaza.

The hernia was discovered during a routine medical checkup on Saturday night. Netanyahu, 74, will be fully sedated for the operation, which will take place at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem in Jerusalem. In his absence, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, who also holds the title of deputy prime minister, will temporarily assume the role of acting prime minister.

This medical intervention is not Netanyahu's first encounter with health issues while in office. Last year, he underwent surgery to have a pacemaker installed after suffering a "transient heart block." The incident led to considerable speculation in Israel regarding the prime minister's health and the extent to which details had been withheld from the public. Despite protocols requiring prime ministers to release an annual health report, Netanyahu had not done so between 2016 and late 2023.

The timing of the surgery is particularly sensitive given the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The war has resulted in significant casualties, with more than 32,000 Palestinians killed. Netanyahu's leadership during this period has been under intense scrutiny, with international pressure mounting over the high civilian death toll and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Key allies, including the United States, have called for a ceasefire and urged Israel to allow more aid into the enclave.

Domestically, Netanyahu faces challenges as well. His government is dealing with internal strife over the exemption of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men from military service, a divisive issue within his own cabinet. Additionally, Netanyahu is Israel's first sitting premier to be indicted for corruption, with his trial ongoing. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

The prime minister's office has not provided extensive details about the hernia surgery. However, hernia repairs are common medical procedures typically involving the reinforcement of a weakened area in the abdominal wall, often with the use of surgical mesh. Depending on the complexity of the surgery and the patient's overall health, recovery times can vary. For Netanyahu, this is his second hernia operation, the first occurring in 2013.

Netanyahu's health has been a subject of public interest, particularly in light of the demands of his office and the current security situation. Earlier this month, a petition was submitted to the High Court of Justice calling for Netanyahu to be compelled to share a detailed health report. The petitioners, including relatives of those killed on October 7 and medical professionals, argue that transparency about the prime minister's health is paramount given the ongoing security crisis.

As Netanyahu prepares for his surgery, Israel's war cabinet is expected to convene to discuss the latest developments in cease-fire negotiations. It remains to be seen how Netanyahu's temporary incapacitation will impact these talks and the broader political landscape in Israel.

The prime minister's office has assured the public that Netanyahu is in good health, with a medical report released in January stating that his pacemaker is functioning correctly and that there is no evidence of heart arrhythmia or other problematic conditions. Nevertheless, the upcoming surgery has brought the issue of the prime minister's health back into the spotlight, with many Israelis and observers around the world watching closely.