Prime Minister Netanyahu Recovering After Successful Prostate Surgery

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is recovering in Jerusalem's Hadassah Hospital following a successful prostate removal surgery on Sunday evening. Netanyahu, who is expected to remain hospitalized for a few days under observation, was transferred to a fortified recovery ward due to security concerns related to the ongoing war. His office confirmed that the procedure went as planned and there are no signs of malignancy.

Netanyahu was under full anesthesia during the surgery, which was prompted by an infection in his urinary tract resulting from a benign prostate enlargement. Hospital officials, including Prof. Ofer Gofrit, head of Hadassah’s urology department, reassured the public that the procedure was successful, with no indications of cancer.

While Netanyahu is recovering, his wife, Sara Netanyahu, has been unable to return from Miami to be by his side due to severe COVID symptoms. She is receiving medical care and is expected to return to Israel once she has recovered, which may take several days to a week.

From his hospital room, Netanyahu continued his duties by contacting key political figures. He spoke with Housing Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf to discuss advancing a conscription law, which remains a contentious issue with the ultra-Orthodox political factions. Goldknopf insisted on a draft proposal before agreeing to support a crucial budget-related bill in the Knesset.

The ongoing debate centers around legislation to address the High Court of Justice ruling requiring ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students to serve in the IDF. Ultra-Orthodox parties demand broader exemptions, a key issue for Netanyahu’s coalition, as failure to pass the budget by March 31 would lead to early elections.