Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was diagnosed with a hernia and is set to undergo surgery on Sunday night, as revealed by his office. The hernia was discovered during a routine checkup on Saturday night, leading to the decision to surgically repair it at a hospital the following day, under full anesthesia. During the procedure, Netanyahu will be unconscious, and Yariv Levin, deputy prime minister and minister of justice, will serve as acting prime minister of Israel. No further details regarding Netanyahu’s diagnosis were immediately made available.
Despite the recent health issue, doctors have stated that the 74-year-old prime minister is in good health and has maintained a full schedule throughout Israel’s nearly six-month conflict with Hamas. In the past, Netanyahu underwent surgery to have a pacemaker implanted after a health scare. Last week, he called off a delegation of top Israeli officials’ trip to Washington after President Biden’s administration did not veto a U.N. resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza, with the condition that Hamas release all hostages first. Critics have accused Biden of abandoning Israel and hostages amid growing tensions with the Jewish state.
Netanyahu issued an ultimatum to the U.S., threatening to cancel the meeting if they did not veto the U.N. resolution. However, the U.S. decided to abstain from the vote rather than vetoing it, allowing the resolution to pass. Despite this, the Biden administration has maintained that its support for Israel has not shifted since the Hamas terror attack that took place on October 7. Netanyahu’s decision to cancel the delegation’s trip to Washington was seen as a response to the perceived lack of support from the U.S. government in the midst of the conflict with Hamas.
The surgical procedure that Netanyahu will undergo on Sunday night is reminiscent of similar health issues he has faced in the past, which have not deterred him from fulfilling his duties as prime minister. Although the specifics of his hernia diagnosis have not been disclosed, the operation is expected to proceed smoothly, with Levin taking on the role of acting prime minister during Netanyahu’s recovery period. Netanyahu’s resolve and dedication to his role as prime minister have been evident throughout the recent conflict with Hamas and his handling of diplomatic relations with other countries like the United States.
The circumstances surrounding Netanyahu’s upcoming surgery come at a crucial time for Israel, with tensions still high following the recent conflict with Hamas. The decision to cancel the delegation’s trip to Washington was a bold move by Netanyahu, signaling his dissatisfaction with the lack of support from the Biden administration. As the prime minister prepares for his surgery, the political landscape in Israel remains uncertain, with ongoing challenges both domestically and on the international stage. Despite the health setback, Netanyahu’s leadership and commitment to his role as prime minister are unwavering, as he continues to navigate complex diplomatic relations and navigate the challenges facing Israel.
In conclusion, Netanyahu’s upcoming surgery for a hernia diagnosis comes amidst renewed tensions with the Biden administration and ongoing challenges in Israel’s political landscape. Despite criticism and accusations of abandoning Israel, the prime minister remains focused on his duties and has shown resilience in the face of health issues. As Netanyahu undergoes the surgical procedure, his deputy will assume the role of acting prime minister, ensuring continuity in the government’s leadership. Netanyahu’s decision to cancel the delegation’s trip to Washington signifies his commitment to securing support for Israel in the international arena, even amidst disagreements with the U.S. government. Overall, Netanyahu’s health concern serves as a reminder of the fragility of leadership, yet his determination to fulfill his responsibilities as prime minister persists.
