• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he was diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer and has been successfully treated.
  • The cancer was detected very early, with a tumor under one centimeter and no spread, leaving no trace after targeted treatment.
  • He delayed his annual medical report by two months to avoid fueling Iranian propaganda during the war.

Netanyahu: 'I'm in Excellent Health'

Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday that a routine checkup revealed a tiny malignant tumor in his prostate, which was caught at an early stage and removed through targeted treatment. “The cancer was detected very early, and I have been successfully treated,” the prime minister said, adding that he is now in excellent physical condition. Doctors confirmed that the tumor was under one centimeter with no evidence of metastasis.

Netanyahu, who has long been a dominant figure in Israeli politics, acknowledged that he postponed the release of his annual medical report by two months to avoid giving ammunition to Iranian propaganda amid ongoing wartime tensions. “We didn’t want to provide any pretext for the enemy to claim instability,” a person familiar with the matter said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The health disclosure comes as Israel remains embroiled in conflict, and any health scare could have rattled markets. However, the prime minister’s swift public confirmation of successful treatment may help reassure investors about policy continuity. “Leadership stability is crucial, especially during war,” said a political analyst. “This announcement seems designed to project strength and control.”

Netanyahu’s office did not specify the exact date of the diagnosis but noted that treatment was recently completed. The prime minister has had prior health issues, including a hernia surgery in 2023, but this marks the first time he has disclosed a cancer diagnosis. He said a benign prostate condition that had previously been treated is now fully resolved.

The announcement was met with cautious optimism among diplomats and financial markets. The shekel strengthened slightly against the dollar on the news, as traders viewed the clarity as reducing uncertainty. “The market hates unknowns,” said a Tel Aviv-based fund manager. “Netanyahu’s transparency here is actually a positive signal.”

Doctors recommend regular follow-ups for prostate cancer survivors, but the prime minister’s medical team expressed confidence in his long-term prognosis. “Early detection is key, and in his case, the outcome is excellent,” one of his physicians said.

Efforts to reach the prime minister’s office for further comment were unsuccessful, but the official statement appears to close the book on this health episode for now.