Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says he was treated for prostate cancer

April 24 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Friday he was treated for early-stage prostate cancer.

Netanyahu, 76, revealed the diagnosis as part of his annual health exam, for which he delayed release by two months "so that it would not be released at the height of the war, in order not to allow the Iranian terror regime to spread even more false propaganda against Israel," he posted on X.

He had surgery for a benign, enlarged prostate in December 2024, which he had disclosed publicly at the time. But in a recent prostate follow-up, doctors found a malignant tumor that was less than a centimeter.

He didn't say when he had that check, but an Israeli source familiar with the matter told CNN that the cancer was diagnosed several months ago. The source said that Netanyahu began radiation treatment about two and a half months ago and recently completed treatment.

It was his first bout with cancer, and the cancer hasn't spread, he said.

"I had a minor medical issue with my prostate that was completely treated. Thank God, it's behind me," he said on X. "You already know me. When I'm given information in time about a potential danger, I want to address it immediately. This is true on the national level and also on the personal level."

In March 2024, Netanyahu had hernia surgery. In July 2023, he was fitted with a pacemaker.

Israel's cease-fire with Lebanon has been extended by three weeks.

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This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 8:11 AM.