Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left the hospital today, Sunday, where he was admitted yesterday due to dehydration, with doctors stating he is in good health. The 73-year-old Prime Minister was taken to "Sheba Tel Hashomer" hospital after experiencing chest pain, although it was noted that he was fully conscious on the way to the hospital. Netanyahu's office confirmed he is in good condition, but after an Israeli minister stated that "the weekly cabinet meeting will be held tomorrow, Sunday, with Netanyahu present," an announcement was made by Netanyahu's office to postpone the meeting until Monday.
Sheba Medical Center mentioned that additional medical tests included providing Netanyahu with a heart monitor, which indicated that his heart is in "excellent health." Later, Netanyahu's office clarified: "Netanyahu will remain in the hospital tonight, and the scheduled cabinet meeting for tomorrow will be postponed to Monday." Israeli media reported on Saturday night that Justice Minister Yariv Levin has been appointed as acting Prime Minister following the health incident.
Hebrew media indicated that the Israeli Prime Minister collapsed at home, losing consciousness, which led to him hitting his head. It was noted that he was transferred to the cardiology department for monitoring. Netanyahu's office stated that preliminary tests "did not find anything abnormal and the initial assessment indicates dehydration." They advised that "Netanyahu undergo routine checks."
Israeli television aired footage of Netanyahu in the hospital, smiling and encouraging people to drink plenty of water during the heatwave. Footage showed one of Netanyahu's sons, Avner, leaving the hospital today accompanied by a girl, both smiling.
In another statement, his office noted that Netanyahu spent some time yesterday, Friday, in the extreme heat at the Sea of Galilee and today felt lightheaded. Upon the advice of his personal physician Dr. Zvi Berkowitz, he was taken to the emergency department at Sheba Medical Center. It was further reported that "initial tests showed normal results, and the preliminary assessment is dehydration."
Channel 12 in Israel reported that Netanyahu (73 years old) complained of chest pain and remained fully conscious while walking to the Sheba Medical Center, entering the emergency room on foot. Netanyahu was first elected Prime Minister in 1996 while leading the Likud party. He spearheaded the free market revolution in Israel and is skeptical about international-supported peace efforts with the Palestinians and negotiations aimed at curbing the Iranian nuclear program.
Netanyahu faces anger in Israel over judicial reforms that have sparked unprecedented protests from Israelis who are worried about the future independence of the courts. This has escalated tensions with the U.S. administration due to the hardline stance of Netanyahu's coalition government, composed of religious and nationalist parties, with the Palestinians. Netanyahu is also on trial in three corruption cases, denying any wrongdoing.
The Tel Hashomer neighborhood is near the coastal city of Caesarea, where Netanyahu owns a private residence. He experienced fatigue on the Day of Atonement, when Jews fast, in early October and was briefly hospitalized. Israel is currently experiencing a heatwave at the start of this week.
