Jerusalem, Israel – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will undergo surgery to repair a hernia, as confirmed by his office. The diagnosis was made during a routine checkup, leading to the decision to proceed with the surgical procedure under full anesthesia on Sunday night. During the surgery, Netanyahu will be unconscious, with Yariv Levin stepping in as the acting prime minister of Israel.
Doctors have reassured that despite the health issue, the 74-year-old Netanyahu remains in good health. This comes after previously undergoing surgery to have a pacemaker implanted following a health scare. Netanyahu has maintained a full schedule amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Israel.
Before his surgery, Netanyahu faced tension with the U.S. after the Biden administration did not veto a U.N. resolution calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. The resolution required the release of all hostages by Hamas. Netanyahu issued an ultimatum to the U.S. and later canceled a delegation’s trip to Washington when the resolution passed without a U.S. veto.
The Biden administration has reiterated its support for Israel, despite the recent strains in the relationship. The administration maintains that its stance on supporting Israel has remained consistent following the Hamas attack in October.
As Netanyahu undergoes surgery, political tensions persist between Israel and the U.S. Despite these challenges, both leaders continue to navigate their countries’ relationship on the global stage.