Discovered during routine examination
Netanyahu undergoes surgery for hernia
March 31, 2024, 7:37 p.m
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Israel’s prime minister is expected to undergo an operation on Easter Sunday. A hernia was discovered during an examination the day before. It is unclear whether a planned war cabinet meeting with him will take place.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to undergo surgery under general anesthesia in the evening. During a routine examination on Saturday, the 74-year-old was diagnosed with a hernia, Netanyahu’s office said. Parts of the intestine, organ parts or fatty tissue protrude through a gap in the abdominal wall. The most common form of hernia is the inguinal hernia.
Netanyahu’s office did not provide any information about exactly what type of hernia the prime minister was diagnosed with. Most patients can leave the hospital quickly after hernia surgery and return to normal physical activity after a few days or weeks.
Justice Minister Jariv Levin, who is also deputy prime minister, will meanwhile take over the duties of head of government, Netanyahu’s office said. A War Cabinet meeting is also planned for the evening.
Netanyahu has often been hospitalized for health problems in the past. Last year they admitted that he had concealed a long-known heart problem after they implanted him with a pacemaker.