Israeli Election Candidates' Medical Records Remain Largely Secret

With less than a month until the elections, the medical status of the four main party leaders vying for the prime minister position is not publicly known. This follows an earlier inquiry five months ago, which prompted many candidates to pledge to release medical reports. N12 has re-contacted the candidates to ascertain if they intend to follow through on these promises.

In the past, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced criticism for not releasing a medical report, and when one was eventually published, it was deemed incomplete. Now, as the election approaches, the sincerity of these political promises is being re-examined.

Regarding Gadi Eisenkot, his office stated in April that they would agree to publish a medical report. Last week, the Yamina party confirmed to N12 that they would agree to reveal the medical file of their chairman, former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, emphasizing the obligation to publish an annual report on the prime minister's medical condition. However, they clarified that this would only occur if he is elected prime minister.

Avigdor Lieberman's office also agreed in April to release a medical report. Despite multiple follow-up requests from N12 last week, his office has not responded regarding his current intention to publish such a report.

Naftali Bennett's office did not respond to N12's inquiry in April. Last week, his party, together, refused to comment on the matter or Bennett's medical status.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office chose to rely on the partial medical document released previously and did not publish a new one, stating last week that the Prime Minister is healthy. It is noted that the existing procedure mandates the Prime Minister to publish an annual medical report, but this rule does not apply to other party leaders.

Yoaz Hendel, chairman of the Reservists-Economic party, did provide N12 with information about his good health shortly after the previous article was published. Previous prime ministers who have released medical information as part of a practice initiated after former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's stroke include Benjamin Netanyahu, Yair Lapid, and Ehud Olmert.