Netanyahu to be placed in underground hospital after surgery amid fears of rocket attacks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be placed in a fortified underground hospital to protect him from potential rocket attacks after undergoing prostate surgery. 

Earlier on Sunday, the Israeli Premier undertook surgery to remove his prostate at the Hadassah Medical Centre in Jerusalem.

Israeli media reported that Justice Minister Yariv Levin would temporarily serve as acting prime minister during the procedure. Defence Minister Israel Katz was authorised to convene the security cabinet if needed.

Netanyahu has gone to great lengths to demonstrate to the Israeli public that he is healthy enough to lead Israel. But over the last few years, the 75-year-old premier has developed health complications. Last year, doctors fitted him with a pacemaker after he suffered a “transient heart block".

His surgery coincides with an ongoing trial against him where an Israeli court charged him with several counts of fraud. 

Read More: Netanyahu to be placed in underground hospital after surgery amid fears of rocket attacks