World3 min(s) read
Published 13:59 24 Apr 2026 GMT
Benjamin Netanyahu reveals cancer diagnosis
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has revealed that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The world leader said he successfully underwent treatment for the condition, but didn't make the diagnosis public, claiming that it would have been used as propaganda by Iran.
Netanyahu explained that he underwent surgery for an enlarged prostate in 2024, adding that a follow-up revealed that "a tiny spot of less than a centimeter was discovered in the prostate."
While it didn't require urgent treatment, the 76-year-old decided to go under the knife, which "left no trace" of the health condition.
Netanyahu took to X to publish a statement on his health, with it reading: "Today, my annual medical report was published.
"I requested to delay its publication by two months so that it would not be released at the height of the war, in order not to allow the Iranian terror regime to spread even more false propaganda against Israel."
Netanyahu says a "tiny spot" was discovered
The Israeli leader went on: "I ask to share with you three things:
"1 - Thank God, I am healthy.
"2 - I am in excellent physical condition.
"3 - I had a minor medical issue with my prostate that was completely treated. Thank God, it's behind me.
"A year and a half ago, I underwent successful surgery for an enlarged benign prostate, and since then I have been under routine medical monitoring.
"In the last monitoring, a tiny spot of less than a centimeter was discovered in the prostate.
"Upon examination, it turned out to be a very early stage of a malignant tumor, with no spread or metastases whatsoever."
Two letters from Netanyahu's doctors were released by the Prime Minister’s Office, to accompany the announcement from his personal account.
They further testified to his good health.
The tumor "disappeared completely"
Later in his statement, Netanyahu said that he took the precautions to stop the condition from progressing.
"When I'm given information in time about a potential danger, I want to address it immediately," he said, adding: "This is true on the national level and also on the personal level. That's what I did."
Netanyahu further explained: "I underwent targeted treatment that removed the problem and left no trace of it.
"I went to a few short treatments, read a book, and continued working. The spot disappeared completely."
He thanked the medical teams who had helped him at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem, before sending an urgent message to Israeli citizens.
"Take care of your health. Get checked, and follow the doctors' instructions," the leader urged.