Prime Minister Netanyahu Diagnosed with Intestinal Infection, Postpones Court Testimony

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is recovering at home after being diagnosed with an intestinal infection, his office announced on Sunday. The illness, reportedly caused by spoiled food, has forced the prime minister to cancel official duties for at least three days, including key testimony in his ongoing corruption trial.

“After medical evaluation at his residence, the prime minister was diagnosed with an intestinal infection accompanied by dehydration,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement. “He is in good condition and is currently receiving intravenous fluids and rest as per doctors’ orders.”

Netanyahu will be absent from court proceedings originally scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, in which he was due to testify in one of the corruption cases brought against him. Due to the upcoming judicial recess beginning this week, his next possible appearance in court may now be delayed until after the recess period.

Despite the delay, sources close to the Prime Minister’s legal team said they are exploring options to address the impact of his absence on the court schedule.

“No Time to Rest for Hostages”

The Prime Minister’s illness and announced rest period sparked a sharp response from leading public health professionals connected to the families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.

Prof. Hagai Levin, Chair of the Public Health Physicians' Association and head of the health team for the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, commented:

“The hostages feel unwell day and night. They suffer from gastrointestinal infections, dehydration, lack of sanitation, hunger, and even death. They are not examined by specialists, do not receive infusions, and are denied rest. They don’t have time. Our duty—and especially the Prime Minister’s duty—is to bring them back now.”

The statement comes amid mounting pressure on Netanyahu’s government to secure the release of over 100 Israeli hostages, many of whom are believed to be in critical condition after more than nine months in captivity in Gaza.

Medical History and Recent Surgery

Netanyahu, 75, underwent successful prostate surgery in December 2024 at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem. The procedure, which lasted two hours, was declared successful by hospital officials.

Prof. Ofer Gofrit, director of the hospital’s Urology Department, said at the time:

“The surgery went as planned, the Prime Minister woke up from anesthesia and is in good condition. He has been transferred to the recovery unit and will remain under observation.”

Following the surgery, Netanyahu thanked the public for their support:

“I would like to thank many, many of you who sent wishes for a speedy recovery. I intend to stand up to it.”

While the Prime Minister’s current condition is not considered serious, his temporary withdrawal from public and legal duties comes at a politically sensitive time. In addition to ongoing hostilities in Gaza and tense ceasefire negotiations, his absence will delay key developments in his corruption trial. This issue continues to shape Israeli politics and public opinion.