Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed he recently underwent treatment for prostate cancer.
Netanyahu made the announcement Friday, marking the first time the country’s longest-serving leader has disclosed a cancer diagnosis, Newsmax reported.
Netanyahu, 76, revealed the condition while publicizing the results of his annual medical examination, per CNN.
In a statement on X, he said doctors discovered a malignant tumor measuring less than a centimeter during a follow-up check after prostate surgery in December 2024.
His office had previously announced the December procedure, which addressed an enlarged prostate.
The office released letters from Netanyahu’s physicians confirming the diagnosis Friday.
“This is an early detection of a very small lesion, with no metastases, as all other tests confirmed beyond any doubt,” one letter said.
Netanyahu did not say when the cancer was diagnosed. A person familiar with the matter told CNN it occurred several months ago.
The source said Netanyahu started targeted radiation therapy about two and a half months ago and has completed the treatment.
Netanyahu said he chose targeted radiation therapy and that “the spot disappeared completely.”
“Thank God, I am healthy,” Netanyahu said. “I had a minor medical issue with my prostate that was completely treated.”
He added he delayed releasing the results of his annual medical report to prevent the information from being used as propaganda by Iran.
