JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disclosed that he was treated for early-stage prostate cancer 18 months ago and delayed making the diagnosis public to prevent Iran from using it as propaganda against Israel. He also requested a two-month delay in publishing his annual medical report to prevent Iran from spreading "even more false propaganda against Israel."

The cancer was detected during a follow-up examination after Netanyahu underwent surgery for an enlarged prostate in 2024, when doctors found a small spot on his prostate. In a post on X, he said the tumor measured "a tiny spot of less than a centimeter." "Upon examination, it turned out to be a very early stage of a malignant tumor, with no spread or metastases whatsoever," he said.

He described his treatment in the post, saying he went to a few short treatments, read a book, and continued working. The treatment left no trace of the cancer, and the spot disappeared completely, he said. He said he is now in "excellent physical condition."

Explaining the delayed disclosure, Netanyahu said, "When I'm given information in time about a potential danger, I want to address it immediately. This is true on the national level and also on the personal level."

The Prime Minister's Office released two letters from Netanyahu's doctors testifying to his good health. The office had previously delayed the release of his annual medical report by two months at his request.

Netanyahu is set to visit the White House in the next few weeks to discuss peace with Iran following the current ceasefire agreement. He has visited the White House six times since President Trump returned to office in early 2025.