Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has revealed he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and quietly underwent treatment, explaining that the disclosure was delayed due to ongoing tensions.

Diagnosis uncovered during routine check

The 76-year-old leader made this known on Friday while releasing details of his annual medical examination.

He said the condition was discovered during routine monitoring following a previous procedure for an enlarged prostate about a year and a half ago.

Doctors reportedly found a small abnormality measuring less than one centimetre, which was later confirmed to be an early-stage malignant tumour with no signs of spread.

Why he kept it private

Netanyahu explained that he chose to delay making the information public to avoid it being used for political narratives.

“Today, my annual medical report was published. I requested to delay its release so it would not come out at the height of the war or be used to spread false narratives,” he said.

Treatment and recovery

He noted that medical experts presented multiple options, including observation, but he opted for immediate treatment.

“When I am faced with a potential risk, I prefer to deal with it immediately. I chose treatment, and the problem has been removed completely,” he stated.

The prime minister also reassured citizens about his health status.

“I am healthy and in excellent physical condition. It is now behind me,” he added.

Focus on early detection

Netanyahu’s disclosure has highlighted the importance of early detection and routine screening for prostate conditions, particularly among older men.

He had previously undergone surgery for a hernia in March 2024 at a hospital in Jerusalem and recovered without complications.