Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed on Friday that he had received successful treatment for early-stage prostate cancer, disclosing a diagnosis and course of therapy that had not previously been made public. In a social media post accompanying the release of his annual medical report, the 76-year-old said a malignant tumour had been discovered during a routine checkup and that targeted radiation therapy had removed "the problem" entirely, leaving no trace of the disease.

According to the medical report, the cancer was discovered incidentally. During a procedure in late December 2024 to treat a benign prostate enlargement, a follow-up MRI scan revealed a small lesion — less than one centimetre — with suspicious characteristics. Further examination confirmed it was early-stage prostate cancer with no metastasis. Netanyahu opted for focused radiation therapy rather than continued monitoring, and the report states the treatment was a complete success, with the lesion disappearing entirely.

Netanyahu said he had requested a two-month delay in the publication of his medical report to avoid the information being released during active conflict with Iran, arguing it would have given Tehran an opportunity to spread what he called "false propaganda against Israel." His caution was not unfounded: in March, rumours circulating on social media and amplified by Iranian state media falsely claimed that Netanyahu had died. The Israeli leader responded at the time by posting a video of himself at a Jerusalem café to refute the claims.

This is not the first time Netanyahu's health has drawn public attention. In 2023, he was fitted with a pacemaker, and in 2024 he underwent surgery for a urinary tract infection linked to a benign prostate condition. The medical report released Friday stated that he is otherwise in good health.

The disclosure comes at a sensitive moment. Israeli elections are scheduled for October, making the prime minister's health and fitness for office a matter of heightened public interest. Reports from the Israeli outlet Ynet also indicated that Netanyahu recently sought a postponement of hearings in his ongoing corruption trial, citing an upcoming surgical procedure at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem that would require several days of hospitalisation.