Benjamin Netanyahu rushed to hospital after fainting, office says he’s in good condition
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a traditional government group photo at the President’s house in Jerusalem, Dec. 29, 2022. (Amir Levy/Getty Images)
This article originally appeared on Haaretz, and was reprinted here with permission. Sign up here to get Haaretz’s free Daily Brief newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived by car to the emergency room of Sheba Medical Center in the central city of Ramat Gan after fainting on Saturday afternoon.
The Prime Minister’s Office stated that Netanyahu, who is 73-years-old, is in good condition. Hospital sources said he is conscious and is walking independently.
Later, Netanyahu’s office said he had “spent yesterday at the Sea of Galilee in the heat” and today “complained of slight dizziness.” The statement added that Netanyahu’s initial tests came back normal, and he is believed to have suffered dehydration.
He is undergoing further tests on the recommendation of his doctors, the statement said.
In a video released from the hospital, Netanyahu stated that he and his wife were in the Sea of Galilee on Friday, “in the sun, without a hat, without water – not a good idea.” Due to Israel’s extreme heat wave, he urged the public to avoid spending too much time in the sun and to drink more water.
Since 2016, Netanyahu’s office has not provided an annual update on his medical health. The Prime Minister’s Office released a protocol in 2010 requiring it to provide an annual report on the premier’s health status, although it is not enshrined in legislation.
Netanyahu has not appointed a permanent deputy, meaning that there is no one who would take over the duties of prime minister should he become incapacitated for medical reasons.
Justice Minister Yariv Levin was appointed deputy prime minister, but the position does not include taking the prime minister’s place during times of crisis.
In the coalition agreements that preceded the forming of the current government, it was earlier determined that Shas party head Arye Dery would assume the role of deputy prime minister, a non-binding honorary title. When Netanyahu underwent a colonoscopy in January, he announced Dery as his replacement premier.
Dery was disqualified by the High Court from acting as a minister in the government in January, however. If the prime minister is incapable of performing his job due to illness, the government is supposed to vote to elect a replacement, but Netanyahu may also announce his own replacement as he did in January.
In October 2022, Netanyahu was rushed to a hospital in Jerusalem after he experienced chest pains during Yom Kippur prayers at his synagogue.
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