Netanyahu Undergoes Hernia Surgery Amid Mounting Pressure Over Gaza Conflict

Netanyahu Undergoes Hernia Surgery Amid Mounting Pressure Over Gaza Conflict

Edited by: Fern Sidman

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel is undergoing surgery for a hernia that was scheduled for Sunday night, according to a statement released by his office, according to report in The New York Times. The announcement comes at a critical juncture as the conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, with growing international calls for a cease-fire.

The decision for surgery follows a diagnosis of a hernia during a routine examination conducted on Saturday night, as disclosed by Netanyahu’s office. As was noted in the NYT report, the statement emphasized that the operation would be performed under full anesthesia on Sunday evening, with Justice Minister Yariv Levin temporarily assuming the prime minister’s duties during his absence.

“Justice Minister Yariv Levin will be temporarily taking over his duties,” the statement clarified, highlighting Levin’s role as a longstanding member of Netanyahu’s Likud party.

This isn’t the first time Netanyahu has faced surgery for a hernia, having undergone a similar procedure back in 2013. However, the NYT report said that the timing of the surgery is particularly crucial as the Israeli prime minister navigates mounting criticism both domestically and internationally regarding Israel’s role in the ongoing conflict with Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip.

Critics, including key allies like the United States, have voiced concerns over the high civilian casualties in Gaza and have urged Israel to permit more aid into the embattled enclave, according to the NYT report. Meanwhile, protests within Israel have demanded that Netanyahu prioritize negotiations for a cease-fire and secure the release of hostages held in Gaza.

As Netanyahu undergoes hernia surgery, Israel’s war cabinet is slated to convene later on Sunday to discuss the latest developments in cease-fire negotiations. However, the NYT reported that it remains uncertain whether the prime minister will be able to attend the meeting given his medical procedure.

Netanyahu, whose leadership is under scrutiny both domestically and internationally, faces sharp rebukes from his far-right coalition partners over any perceived hesitation in the ongoing conflict against Hamas and the expansion of Israeli settlements in the Judea and Samaria region, which is considered Israel’s biblical heartland.

Hours before his scheduled surgical procedure, Netanyahu held a meeting in Jerusalem with families of soldiers held captive in Gaza, underscoring the gravity of the situation. According to the information provided in the NYT report, subsequent to the Jerusalem meeting, he delivered an evening news conference, visibly pale but resolute as he addressed criticism regarding his efforts to bring the hostages home.

“I’ve done everything in my power, and will continue doing everything, to secure their release,” Netanyahu asserted, pushing back against accusations of inaction, as per the NYT report.  “Those who say I don’t do enough to secure the release of our hostages are wrong and misleading.”

During the news conference, which lasted nearly 20 minutes, Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s intentions regarding the conflict in Gaza. As was indicated in the NYT report, he emphasized plans to move Israeli forces into Rafah, the southern Gaza city where Hamas terrorists have created a stronghold.  Despite concerns raised by American officials about the potential humanitarian consequences of such a move, Netanyahu affirmed that Israel is working on a comprehensive plan to evacuate civilians and provide essential humanitarian aid.

“We are now working on addressing the question of evacuating the civilian population and providing humanitarian aid,” Netanyahu stated emphatically, the NYT report said. “That is required and vital, and it will be done.”

As Netanyahu confronts both medical and political challenges simultaneously, the coming days are likely to be critical not only for his own leadership but also for the trajectory of the conflict in Gaza and the broader geopolitical dynamics in the region.