Benjamin Netanyahu steps away from Middle east conflict for prostate removal surgery today, 29 Dec.

It has been a rough year for Benjamin Netanyahu as Israel continues to wage war against Gaza — with recurring health problems and his own corruption trial. The senior politician has faced a string of health issues in recent years despite efforts to project himself as a healthy, energetic leader in public. Doctors implanted a pacemaker following a health scare in July last year and Netanyahu underwent a hernia operation in March. Now, the Israeli PM is slated to undergo prostate removal surgery on Sunday after being diagnosed with a urinary tract infection.

According to an update shared by his office, Netanyahu was diagnosed with an urinary tract infection on Wednesday stemming from a benign enlargement of his prostate. The infection was treated successfully with antibiotics but a procedure on Sunday will remove his prostate.

The procedure will require him to be fully sedated — with an acting PM taking over the top role during the operation. His lawyer Amit Hadad also told the court overseeing the corruption trial that Netanyahu would be hospitalised for “a number of days” next week.

Netanyahu does not have a permanent stand-in for emergencies. One of his cabinet members are usually appointed to take over ad-hoc in such cases. However it has not been announced which of the ministers will act has interim leader during the operation and recovery period.

With so much at stake in the turbulent region, Netanyahu’s health in wartime is a concern for both Israelis and the wider world.

Prostate issues are common for older men, and recovery can be quick

According to Netanyahu’s office, the Israeli leader was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection on Wednesday stemming from a benign enlargement of his prostate. The infection was treated successfully with antibiotics but a procedure on Sunday will remove his prostate.

Complications from prostate enlargement are common in men in their 70s and 80s, Dr. Shay Golan, head of the oncology urology service at Israel’s Rabin Medical Center, told Israeli Army Radio. Golan spoke in general terms about the procedure and was not involved in Netanyahu’s care or treatment.

He said that an enlarged prostate can block proper emptying of the bladder, leading to a build-up of urine that can then lead to an infection or other complications. After medicinal treatment, doctors can recommend a procedure to remove the prostate to prevent future blockages, Golan said.

In Netanyahu’s case, because the prostate is not cancerous, Golan said doctors will likely perform an endoscopic surgery, which is carried out by inserting small instruments into a body cavity, rather than making any surgical cuts in the abdomen to reach the prostate.

The procedure lasts about an hour, Golan said, and recovery is quick. Golan also said that aside from catheter use for one to three days after the procedure, patients can return to normal activity without any significant limitations.

Netanyahu has had some health issues before, including a heart condition

Netanyahu insists he is in excellent health and his office has worked to craft a public image that backs that up. It releases footage of him touring war zones in full protective gear flanked by gruff military officers, or meeting with defense officials on windswept hilltops in youthful dark shades and puffer jackets.

But that image was shattered last year when Netanyahu’s doctors revealed that he had a heart condition, a problem that he had apparently long known about but concealed from the public.

A week after a fainting spell, Netanyahu was urgently fitted with a pacemaker to control his heartbeat. Only then did staff at the Sheba Medical Center reveal that Netanyahu has for years experienced a condition that can cause irregular heartbeats.

That revelation came at a time when Netanyahu was dealing with massive anti-government protests. The news about a chronic heart problem stoked further anger and distrust at a time of extreme political polarization in Israel.

Last year, Netanyahu was rushed to the hospital for what doctors said likely was dehydration, where he stayed overnight, prompting his weekly Cabinet meeting to be delayed.

Earlier this year, Netanyahu underwent hernia surgery, during which he was under full anesthesia and unconscious. His close confidant, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, served as acting prime minister during the operation.

The prostate removal comes at a turbulent time in the region

As Israel’s leader, Netanyahu is at the center of major global events that are shifting the Middle East. With the dizzying pace of the past 14 months, being incapacitated for even a few hours can be risky in the current regional maelstrom.

Netanyahu will be in hospital at a time when international mediators are pushing Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire in Gaza as violence there rages on and fighting between Israel and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels intensifies.

The health issue also shines a new light on Netanyahu’s age. Prostate issues are common and in many cases easily treatable. But they are prominent, especially among older men.

The procedure puts a dent in Netanyahu’s image of vigor at a time when would want to project strength more than ever, both to an Israeli audience navigating constant threats as well as to Israel’s enemies looking to expose Israel’s weaknesses.

(With inputs from agencies)