Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was admitted to the hospital on Saturday after experiencing dizziness due to apparent dehydration. However, his condition is said to be good, and there are no indications of a potential handover of power. The 73-year-old Netanyahu was on vacation at the Sea of Galilee when he fell ill during a heatwave, according to a statement from his office.
Netanyahu was taken to Sheba Hospital in Tel Hashomer, near his private residence in coastal Caesarea. Reports suggest that he was fully conscious and walked into the emergency room, although there is no confirmation regarding chest pain. He is not undergoing sedation, and no procedures are underway to declare him incapacitated.
A statement from Netanyahu’s office stated that he was admitted to the hospital on his physician’s recommendation after experiencing light dizziness. Initial tests came back normal, with no significant findings. The preliminary diagnosis is dehydration, and further routine tests are being conducted. An earlier statement clarified that his condition remains fine.
In the event of an emergency succession, it is unclear who would replace Netanyahu. When former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon suffered a stroke in 2006, he was succeeded by his deputy, Ehud Olmert. Justice Minister Yariv Levin has previously stood in for Netanyahu during his foreign trips.
Netanyahu, who has been Israel’s longest-serving leader, was first elected to office in 1996 as the head of the conservative Likud party. Throughout his tenure, he has initiated significant economic reforms in Israel but has shown skepticism towards internationally-backed peacemaking with the Palestinians and negotiations to limit Iran’s nuclear program.
Currently, Netanyahu faces controversy over his plan to overhaul the judiciary, which has sparked protests by Israelis concerned about the future independence of the courts. Moreover, he is currently on trial after being indicted in three corruption cases. Netanyahu strongly denies any wrongdoing and perceives the trial as a politically motivated witch-hunt.
Furthermore, there is growing tension in Israel, with hundreds of military reservists threatening to disregard call-up orders as a protest against government reforms. The airing of audio footage by Israel’s Channel 13 captured Netanyahu shouting during a cabinet session, expressing his discontent with such insubordination.
In response to Netanyahu’s hospitalization, Yair Lapid, the leader of the centrist opposition, tweeted, I wish the Prime Minister a full recovery and good health.
As Netanyahu’s condition is being monitored and further tests are underway, the Israeli public will be watching closely for updates on his health.
