Rumours of Netanyahu Having Cancer and a Pacemaker: Is He Seriously Ill?
The health of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again sparked controversy after social media reports on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, claimed his condition had deteriorated due to blood cancer and that he was in critical condition.
“Israeli PM Netanyahu is facing a critical health condition; he is suffering from blood cancer, which was diagnosed yesterday,” wrote the X account @World_Affairs11.
Separate reports also alleged the prime minister was suffering from prostate cancer and required intensive medical care. He was also reported to be using a pacemaker to support his daily activities.
However, the Office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly moved to clarify the rumours by releasing a medical report confirming that he does not suffer from prostate cancer, directly contradicting the circulating claims.
According to the report, cited by Israeli media, Netanyahu is currently recovering from a post-operative urinary tract infection, with detailed explanations provided regarding the medical procedures and examinations he has undergone.
The document was signed by his personal physician, Dr Tzvi Herman Berkowitz, together with Prof Alon Pikarsky, a urologist from Hadassah Medical Centre, and Prof Ehud Grossman, a specialist in internal medicine and hypertension. The report concluded that Netanyahu’s overall health is good.
The publication represents the first detailed medical update in several years regarding Benjamin Netanyahu’s health.
It stated that his blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels are all within normal ranges. Comprehensive laboratory test results — including full blood count, liver and kidney function, and electrolyte levels — also showed normal values.
Netanyahu remains under regular cardiac monitoring. Prof Roy Beinart, head of the Arrhythmia Institute at Sheba Medical Centre, stated that since the pacemaker was implanted in July 2023, no signs of arrhythmia or other cardiac disorders have been detected. The device is functioning optimally, although he is not fully dependent on it.
According to Beinart, the prime minister’s cardiac condition is completely stable and requires no special treatment beyond routine check-ups, as is standard for pacemaker patients. He also has no restrictions on physical activity, including exercise.
Additionally, the report revealed that in April 2024, Netanyahu underwent surgery to repair a right inguinal hernia. Prior to the procedure, a full-body CT scan identified an enlarged prostate, a small bladder stone, and a bladder obstruction.