Photo: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM / AFP / Getty Images
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Friday (April 24) that he was diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer but has already completed successful treatment. The news comes as the region experiences a wartime ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
Netanyahu, 76, explained that he delayed the public release of his annual medical report by two months so that his diagnosis would not be used as propaganda by Iran during the conflict. Netanyahu said in a statement, "Today, my annual medical report was published. I requested to delay its publication by two months so that it would not be released at the height of the war, in order not to allow the Iranian terror regime to spread even more false propaganda against Israel."
Netanyahu underwent surgery for an enlarged prostate in December 2024, which was made public at that time. In a recent check-up, doctors found a malignant tumor less than a centimeter in size, but tests confirmed there was no spread of the cancer. His medical team recommended targeted radiation therapy, which Netanyahu completed about two and a half months ago.
Netanyahu stated, "Thank God, I am healthy. I had a minor medical issue with my prostate that was completely treated." Doctors said the early detection meant the cancer had not metastasized, and the treatment left "no trace" of the disease.
This is not the first health challenge for Israel’s longest-serving prime minister. He has undergone a number of medical procedures in recent years, including surgery to treat a hernia in March 2024 and the fitting of a pacemaker in July 2023.
With the public now aware of his health status, Netanyahu resumed his official duties and said he is in good condition. There are currently no indications that his diagnosis will affect his role or the ongoing ceasefire discussions with Iran. For more details, see Reuters.