Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set for a prostate removal surgery on Sunday following a diagnosis of a urinary tract infection linked to benign prostate enlargement.

This surgery comes as Israel remains locked in a fierce conflict with Hamas in Gaza, more than 14 months after the militants launched a historic attack on October 7 last year.

Netanyahu was diagnosed during a routine check at Hadassah Hospital on Wednesday. His office confirmed that the prime minister will proceed with the surgery tomorrow.

This follows a series of health issues; in March, he had hernia surgery, and last July, he received a pacemaker after experiencing a medical scare.

At 75, Netanyahu joins a group of older global leaders, including US President Joe Biden, 82, and President-elect Donald Trump, 78, facing increasing concerns regarding their health and fitness for leadership roles due to their advanced ages.

Netanyahu, who has dealt with various health challenges in recent years, has actively worked to project an image of vitality and vigor. In his recent trial, he claimed to work 18-hour days, despite the toll that such a demanding schedule could take on his health, especially after 17 years in office as Israel’s longest-serving leader.

The upcoming prostate surgery has already resulted in legal implications. Netanyahu’s lawyer, Amit Hadad, informed the court that the prime minister would be fully sedated and hospitalized for several days, requesting the cancellation of his testimony scheduled for this week. The court granted this request.

An acting prime minister will assume Netanyahu’s duties during his recovery, although the specific individual has not been disclosed. The official providing this information requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the circumstances.