Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has revealed that he was diagnosed with cancer during routine medical monitoring. The 76-year-old leader shared the news in a post on X on Friday, explaining that doctors discovered an early-stage malignant tumor following surgery for an enlarged benign prostate in 2024.
Routine Monitoring Leads to Discovery
According to Fox News, Netanyahu has been under regular medical checks since his prostate surgery. During a recent examination, doctors identified a tiny spot of less than a centimeter. Netanyahu stated that the treatment removed the problem completely and left no trace of it. He reassured the public by saying, "I had a minor medical issue with my prostate that was completely treated. Thank God, it's behind me."
Delayed Release of Health Record
Netanyahu explained that he requested to delay the release of his health record to avoid coinciding with the height of the US and Israel's war with Iran. He said this was to prevent Tehran from spreading even more false propaganda against Israel. In his post, Netanyahu emphasized his approach to health and leadership: "When I'm given information in time about a potential danger, I want to address it immediately. This is true on the national level and also on the personal level."
Upcoming White House Visit
The revelation comes as Netanyahu is scheduled to visit the White House in the coming weeks. The United States is seeking to broker a long-lasting peace deal in the ongoing war with Iran. Meanwhile, Israel's ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, following fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, has been extended by three weeks. This extension is seen as a crucial step in maintaining regional stability.
Background on Benjamin Netanyahu
Benjamin Netanyahu, born in 1949, is Israel's longest-serving Prime Minister and a central figure in the country's politics. Known for his strong stance on security and foreign policy, he has led Israel through multiple conflicts and peace negotiations. Netanyahu first became Prime Minister in 1996 and has held office across several terms, shaping Israel's domestic and international agenda. He has also faced legal challenges and political controversies during his career. Despite these, he remains a dominant force in Israeli politics, with his leadership often influencing regional stability and relations with global powers such as the United States.
Netanyahu's Message to His Brother
Legit.ng earlier reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu penned a deeply emotional message in memory of his older brother, Yonatan "Yoni" Netanyahu, who was killed during a daring military operation in Uganda many years ago. Yoni Netanyahu (1946–1976) was a highly decorated officer in Israel's elite Sayeret Matkal unit. He was killed while leading Operation Entebbe, also known as Operation Yonatan, a rescue mission in Uganda that freed more than 100 hostages held by terrorists.
