Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was diagnosed with a hernia during a routine checkup and is scheduled to undergo surgery Sunday night. The decision to surgically repair the hernia was made after consultation with doctors, and the operation will be performed under full anesthesia. During this time, Yariv Levin will serve as the acting prime minister of Israel. While no further details about Netanyahu’s diagnosis were provided, doctors have stated that he is in good health overall, despite previous health concerns that led to a pacemaker implant last year.
Netanyahu’s decision to undergo surgery comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and the United States. Last week, Netanyahu canceled a delegation’s trip to Washington after the Biden administration did not veto a U.N. resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. The resolution also set a condition that Hamas release all hostages first, prompting Netanyahu to issue an ultimatum to the U.S. The U.S. ultimately abstained from vetoing the resolution, allowing it to pass. Critics have accused Biden of abandoning Israel and the hostages in light of these actions.
Despite the recent disagreements between Israel and the U.S., the Biden administration maintains that its support for Israel has not changed since the Hamas terror attack on October 7. The tensions between the two countries come at a crucial time as Netanyahu undergoes surgery and steps down temporarily as prime minister. Netanyahu has been actively involved in Israel’s efforts against Hamas in recent months, keeping a full schedule despite his health concerns. News of his surgery adds another layer of complexity to the already strained relationship between Israel and the U.S.
The upcoming surgery for Netanyahu follows a pattern of health issues for the 74-year-old prime minister. In addition to the pacemaker implant last year, Netanyahu has been under scrutiny for his health in recent years. The current hernia diagnosis adds to concerns about his well-being, but doctors have assured that he is generally in good health. With the operation set to take place Sunday night, all eyes are on the outcome of the surgery and the implications it may have on Netanyahu’s future as prime minister. The decision to undergo surgery at this time raises questions about the stability of Israeli leadership during a time of heightened tensions and challenges.
As Netanyahu prepares for surgery, Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin will take over as acting prime minister. The transition of power will occur while Netanyahu is under full anesthesia, with Levin assuming leadership responsibilities during this time. The temporary shift in leadership comes as Israel faces both internal and external challenges, with ongoing conflict in the region and strained relations with the U.S. Amidst these challenges, the focus remains on Netanyahu’s health and the impact of his surgery on the political landscape in Israel. With no immediate details provided about the hernia diagnosis, the situation remains fluid as Netanyahu undergoes medical treatment and Israel navigates complex political dynamics.
