Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery, the hospital says

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has successfully undergone surgery to have his prostate removed, hospital officials said Sunday.

The 75-year-old leader, who has had a series of health problems in recent years, was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection resulting from a benign prostate enlargement, his office said.

Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center announced late Sunday that the procedure was “successfully completed.” Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, served as acting prime minister during the operation. Netanyahu is expected to remain hospitalized for several days.

Netanyahu is among elderly world leaders including President Biden, 82, President-elect Donald Trump, 79, and Pope Francis, 88, who have come under scrutiny because of their age and health problems. He went to great lengths to enhance his public image as a healthy and energetic leader. During his trial for alleged corruption this month, he boasted of working 18-hour days.

Such a grueling workload could take a toll on his well-being as he deals with multiple crises including the war in Gaza. However, Netanyahu insists he is in excellent health.

That image was shattered last year when it was revealed he had a heart condition. In July last year, doctors implanted a pacemaker after a medical scare.

Also last year, Netanyahu was taken to the hospital for what doctors said was likely dehydration. They stayed the night.

In March, Netanyahu underwent hernia surgery, during which he was under full anesthesia and unconscious. Levin served as acting prime minister during this operation.

Sunday’s proceedings came as Israel is at the center of major world events that are changing the Middle East.

Israel has been at war against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip for almost 15 months after the October 7, 2023 attacks in southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people and kidnapped about 250 others. About 100 Israelis remain prisoners in Gaza and about a third are believed to have died.

The war has killed more than 45,400 Palestinians and injured more than 108,000 others according to the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health in Gaza. His account does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

Earlier this month, Netanyahu took office long-running trial for alleged corruption. This week, the attorney general of Israel ordered the police to open an investigation into Netanyahu’s wife on suspicion of harassing political opponents and a witness in the corruption trial.

contributed to this report.