Gantz undergoes surgery for back injury from his army days

Netanyahu phones Blue and White leader to wish him well ahead of operation; defense minister being briefly replaced by deputy

By ToI Staff 11 August 2020, 10:53 pmUpdated: 12 August 2020, 7:08 am
Defense Minister Benny Gantz prays at Tel Hashomer’s Sheba Medical Center before back surgery on August 12, 2020 (Courtesy),

Defense Minister Benny Gantz entered surgery early Wednesday for a herniated disc he sustained during his army service, his office said.

Gantz decided to undergo the operation as his back pain increased in recent weeks and his doctors recommending that he not put it off any longer, Channel 12 reported.

The defense minister arrived at Tel Hashomer’s Sheba Medical Center Tuesday evening to undergo a series of routine tests ahead of the surgery.

Recovery time is expected to be a few days, during which Gantz will work from his hospital bed.

Defense Minister Benny Gantz, center-left, Minister Michael Biton, center-right, meet with head of the Southern Command Herzi Halevi, right, and Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi, left, in southern Israel on May 26, 2020. (Ariel Hermoni/Defense Ministry)

Gantz is being temporarily replaced by Minister Michael Biton (Blue and White).

Defense Minister Benny Gantz speaks to the media outside his home in Rosh Haayin on August 9, 2020. (Tomer Neuberg/Flash90)

Ahead of the operation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu phoned Gantz to wish him well. The two are embroiled in a bitter dispute over the budget that risks plunging Israel into another election campaign.

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