Garissatu.com - Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, fell ill on July 20, 2025, due to food poisoning, which led to intestinal inflammation and dehydration. A statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Netanyahu is currently resting at home for three days while continuing to perform essential duties remotely. Medical staff have administered intravenous fluids, and the prime minister is under observation.
As a result of his sudden illness, Netanyahu missed the weekly cabinet meeting held every Sunday. Although physically absent, he has been receiving updates from senior officials and remains in contact with key advisors. This is not the first time Netanyahu’s health has become a national concern, especially considering his recent medical history.
In 2023, Netanyahu had a pacemaker implanted after experiencing a temporary heart block. The following year, he underwent hernia surgery at Hadassah Medical Center. In December 2024, he also had a prostatectomy after a prolonged urinary tract infection. These procedures indicate that Netanyahu’s physical condition has required increasingly frequent medical attention over the last few years.
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His current illness has caused a postponement of his testimony in an ongoing corruption trial, which was originally scheduled for this week. The hearing has now been rescheduled to September, following the court’s summer recess. This marks another delay in a legal battle that has drawn global media attention and added pressure to Netanyahu’s leadership.
Opposition figures and civil society groups have expressed concern over Netanyahu’s ability to continue governing under such health conditions. With Israel facing mounting tensions in Gaza and along the Lebanon border, critics argue that the country needs a fully functioning and present leadership. However, officials from the Prime Minister’s Office assured that Netanyahu’s condition is stable and not life-threatening.
There are no official changes to his international or national schedule this week, as no major events were planned. Still, the absence of a physically active prime minister during such volatile times raises questions about contingency planning and government stability. The Israeli military has not commented on whether the prime minister’s condition could affect national security operations.
Reports from Israeli media, including The Times of Israel and YNet, confirmed that the illness was minor and likely temporary. Still, discussions within Likud and among political commentators have begun to surface, suggesting that Netanyahu’s health may be a catalyst for future debates on leadership transition and power delegation within the Israeli government.
Medical experts recommend regular health disclosures for leaders with known medical conditions to preserve public trust and ensure governmental transparency. In Netanyahu’s case, his team has been relatively open with health updates, likely in an effort to quell public speculation.
The recovery process is expected to be quick, and if no complications arise, Netanyahu is projected to resume full duties by Thursday, July 24. He will remain under light supervision for the next several days, with updates to be provided as necessary.
This event has also reignited internal political discussions in the Knesset, with some lawmakers calling for more defined procedures for temporary leadership delegation in case of future health emergencies. The coming weeks may see more concrete proposals on this matter.