Israel PM Netanyahu diagnosed with food poisoning, forced to suspend in-person duties
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
What you need to know:
- In July 2023, he was fitted with a pacemaker following a brief hospitalisation. Later that year, in December, he underwent prostate surgery due to a urinary tract infection. Most recently, in March 2024, he was treated for complications arising from the flu, which led to hernia surgery.
Jerusalem. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been diagnosed with food poisoning and will temporarily step back from public engagements while continuing to perform his duties remotely, his office confirmed on Sunday.
The 75-year-old leader developed symptoms of intestinal inflammation and dehydration over the weekend. He is currently under the supervision of Professor Alon Hershko from Hadassah University Hospital and has received intravenous fluids to aid recovery. Medical authorities have advised rest, prompting Netanyahu to remain at his residence for a minimum of three days.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office noted that Netanyahu's condition is stable and that he will continue to oversee state affairs from home using secure communication tools.
This latest health scare adds to a string of medical episodes involving the Prime Minister in recent years. In July 2023, he was fitted with a pacemaker following a brief hospitalisation. Later that year, in December, he underwent prostate surgery due to a urinary tract infection. Most recently, in March 2024, he was treated for complications arising from the flu, which led to hernia surgery.
The Prime Minister’s absence has already affected official proceedings. A cabinet meeting scheduled for this week was postponed, and Netanyahu’s testimony in his ongoing corruption trial has been cancelled. With the court entering its summer recess at the end of this week, the earliest he is expected to return to the witness stand is early September.
Critics have renewed calls for greater transparency regarding Netanyahu’s health, particularly in light of the limited updates provided since his pacemaker procedure in 2023.
Despite the interruption, government sources have assured the public that the Prime Minister remains fully in control of the administration and is actively coordinating with senior ministers and officials.
Further updates on his condition and official schedule are expected in the coming days.
