Opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu was released from Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center Thursday morning after being hospitalized overnight for observation, having felt unwell during Yom Kippur synagogue services.
A statement issued by the former prime minister’s office said his test results were all normal and that he had already “returned to full activity” and was “on his way to his morning walk.”
Netanyahu thanked Shaare Zedek’s “dedicated medical staff” for their care, the statement said.
A statement issued by the hospital confirmed Netanyahu’s released and stable condition.
The hospital said late Wednesday that it had carried out a series of tests on Netanyahu, which all came out normal, that he was feeling well, and that it had been decided to keep him overnight for observation.
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“Former prime minister Netanyahu arrived independently at Shaare Zedek Medical Center after feeling unwell at the end of the Yom Kippur fast. Immediately on his arrival, he underwent an assessment and a wide-ranging series of tests, all of which came out normal,” the hospital said.
“Former prime minister Netanyahu is feeling well, and after consultations, it was decided that he would stay in the hospital overnight for observation.”
“Feeling well and thanking everyone for the support and the love,” Netanyahu tweeted on Wednesday night.
He added: “Gmar Hatimah Tovah” (May you be inscribed in the Book of Life), the traditional wish of the High Holiday period.
מרגיש טוב ומודה לכולכם על התמיכה והאהבה. גמר חתימה טובה ❤️
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 5, 2022
His personal doctor, Zvi Herman Berkowitz, was quoted in Hebrew media as saying he looked “excellent, not even pale.”
According to a statement on behalf of the Likud party leader, Netanyahu, 72, began to feel unwell during the fast day’s final Ne’ila prayer service, at Jerusalem’s Great Synagogue. Netanyahu was fasting at the time.
The statement said he underwent a number of checks at the synagogue, which came out normal, and that he “felt fine,” but decided of his own volition to go to Shaare Zedek for further examination.
According to an unsourced report from the Kan public broadcaster, Netanyahu suffered from chest pains.
He was driven to the hospital by his driver.
Prime Minister Yair Lapid wished Netanyahu a speedy recovery in a statement.
Israel goes to its fifth election in less than four years on November 1. Netanyahu is bidding to oust Lapid, having been prime minister for 12 consecutive years from 2009-21.
Yom Kippur began on Tuesday at sundown and ended Wednesday night. Also known as the Day of Atonement, the holiday is marked by a 25-hour fast.
Paramedics annually treat hundreds who faint, are dehydrated, or feel ill due to the fast.
