Netanyahu undergoes routine colonoscopy, has polyps removed

Defense Minister Ya’alon briefly serves as acting PM while Netanyahu, 65, is sedated for the procedure

By Raphael Ahren 18 December 2015, 11:38 am

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Raphael Ahren is a former diplomatic correspondent at The Times of Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leads the weekly cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, December 13, 2015. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent an exploratory colonoscopy Friday during which he was sedated.

The tests revealed a number of polyps, which were successfully removed, the Prime Minister’s Office said.

Netanyahu then returned to full activity, it said.

Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon served as acting prime minister while Netanyahu was under sedation.

The procedure was carried out by Prof. Eran Goldin, head of the gastroenterology department at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem. The prime minister was accompanied by his personal physician Dr. Tzvi Berkovich.

Netanyahu, 65, is in good health. He underwent an emergency hernia operation in 2013, and a similar colonoscopy in 2014 as part of his annual health examination, whose results are released to the public.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.