Kamal Ghorui
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday that he had undergone treatment for prostate cancer, as he released the results of his annual medical examination.Netanyahu, 76, said he delayed publication of the report by two months as he did not want it to be used as propaganda by Iran. “I requested to delay its publication by two months so that it would not be released at the height of the war, in order not to allow the terrorist regime in Iran to spread even more false propaganda against Israel,” he said.The longest-serving leader in Israel’s history said he had undergone surgery for an enlarged benign prostate over a year ago. During a recent check-up, doctors found a very early-stage malignant tumour with no spread or metastases.The Prime Minister’s Office also released two letters from his doctors alongside the announcement, confirming the early stage of the disease. “This is an early detection of a very small lesions, with no metastases, as all other tests confirmed beyond any doubt,” one letter said.He did not specify when the check-up took place, but an Israeli source familiar with the matter told CNN the cancer was diagnosed several months ago. The source added that Netanyahu began radiation therapy about two and a half months ago and has recently completed the treatment.Netanyahu said, “The spot has disappeared completely.”“Thank God, I am healthy,” he added. “I had a minor medical issue with my prostate that was completely treated.”The disclosure comes as Netanyahu is expected to visit the White House in the coming weeks, as efforts continue to secure a long-term peace deal in the conflict with Iran. Meanwhile, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, following fighting involving Hezbollah, has been extended by three weeks.
