PM Netanyahu recovering after surgery
Surgery for umbilical hernia declared a success, doctors at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital say. Prime Minister Netanyahu set to be discharged Sunday afternoon, to return to work later in the week. Cabinet meeting postponed, Ya'alon to chair ministerial meeting on prisoners
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent surgery for an umbilical hernia at the Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem overnight Sunday. The hour-long surgery, which was conducted under general anesthesia, was declared a success.
The prime minister is currently resting and is set to be discharged later on Sunday. Doctors at the Hadassah Hospital nevertheless stressed it will be several days before he is fully able to return to work.
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Sunday's cabinet meeting has been postponed but a ministerial committee vetting the prisoner amnesty would still meet, chaired by Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon. In Netanyahu's absence, Ya'alon served as acting prime minister.
On Sunday morning, several hours after the operation and following a conversation between Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital director Dr. Yuval Weiss and Cabinet Secretary Avichai Mendelblit, it was decided that Netanyahu was fit enough to have all his powers restored.
In a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, Netanyahu said: "I would like to thank the professional and dedicated medical team who treated me. I would also like to thank all of the citizens who wished me good health. I, too, continue to make your well being and safety my main interest."
At about 6:30 am, Hadassah Ein Kerem director Dr. Yuval Weiss told reporters, "About three hours ago, Prime Minister Netanyahu's surgery ended successfully. The surgery ran for an hour as planned. At the end of the surgery Netanyahu was taken to the recovery unit where he is currently resting."
Netanyahu's personal physician Dr. Tzvika Berkowitz said, "The surgery was a success. I just left (the prime minister's) room after being next to him all night, and I want to say that he is strong, healthy and in good general condition. I am confident he will return to work very soon."
Netanyahu was hospitalized after feeling pains, and was examined by Dr. Berkowitz, and by an expert surgeon.
Reuters, Yaron Kelnerm Omri Efraim and Noam (Dabul) Dvir contributed to this report
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