Netanyahu received prostate cancer treatment in recent months without public disclosure: Report

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received prostate cancer treatment in recent months without public disclosure, which, according to multiple Israeli media reports, was in its early stages.

Netanyahu underwent surgery and radiation treatment to remove a small malignant prostate tumor several months ago, according to his annual medical report released Friday.

Israel’s public broadcaster KAN said the report revealed that Netanyahu had undergone medical procedures in recent months, including surgery and radiation therapy, without public disclosure at the time.

The broadcaster noted that the report was published following public pressure, criticism, and legal demands to disclose details about the prime minister’s health.

According to the daily Yedioth Ahronoth, Netanyahu, 76, on December 29, 2024, “underwent surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia that ended successfully and without any complications.”

Follow-up Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans revealed a small lesion in the prostate, less than one centimeter in size and with suspicious characteristics, the report said.

Subsequent tests confirmed that the lesion was an early-stage prostate cancer.

The report stated that at this stage, the condition could be managed through close monitoring or short, targeted radiation therapy, with Netanyahu opting for treatment.

In a statement on Telegram, Netanyahu claimed that he had requested a delay in publishing the medical report for two months to avoid its release during the peak of the war, saying he did not want Iran to exploit the information for propaganda.

However, Israel’s public broadcaster noted that the surgery had been conducted before the start of the war with Iran.

*Writing by Rania Abushamala in Istanbul.