Does Netanyahu have blood cancer? Claim lacks evidence

In February 2026, multiple social media posts claimed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been diagnosed with a form of blood cancer. 

The claim spread on X and Facebook, with several posts claiming Netanyahu was in a “critical” condition:  

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin NETANYAHU has been diagnosed with BLOOD CANCER just yesterday, plunging into a CRITICAL health condition that has stunned the nation and world leaders. This MAJOR development raises urgent questions about Israel’s leadership stability amid ongoing regional tensions.

(Facebook user BreakingPoint 360)

There was no credible evidence or official confirmation that Netanyahu has blood cancer. He has been the subject of similar rumors about his health in the past. We reached out to his office for a response to the claim and will update this story if we receive one. Given the lack of verified information, we’ve left this claim unrated.

As of this writing, no reputable news outlets had reported that Netanyahu was diagnosed with blood cancer. On Feb. 15, 2026, Netanyahu spoke at the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. He did not appear to be in “critical” condition, as the above Facebook post claimed, though we could not make a determination about his health based on appearances alone. 

A Google News search for “Netanyahu” and “cancer” brought up old health coverage about the Israeli prime minister. In December 2024, The Jerusalem Post, an Israeli news outlet, said Netanyahu underwent prostate removal surgery after he was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection resulting from a benign prostate enlargement. His office reportedly said at the time that he received antibiotic treatment that “successfully eradicated the infection.” 

In February 2025, Netanyahu’s office released his medical report, which was covered by The Jerusalem Post. The report noted that, contrary to online rumors, he did not have prostate cancer. According to the report, Netanyahu underwent a pacemaker implantation in July 2023 and a 2024 examination determined he was not dependent on it. 

We asked the prime minister’s office for access to the report and will update this story if we receive it.

For further reading, Snopes has covered numerous rumors about Netanyahu. 

Sources