Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Uproar After NC State Agent 'Fixes' Girl's Lunch Preschooler has to eat chicken nuggets instead of mom's meal »

Olmert Has Prostate Cancer

Diagnosis won't interfere with work, Israeli PM promises, as peace talks loom

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 29, 2007 7:07 AM CDT

(Newser) – Israeli PM Ehud Olmert has prostate cancer, he announced today, and will undergo minor surgery to treat it. He said his medical condition is not life-threatening and would not affect his ability to govern. “From what my doctors have told me, this is a microscopic growth that can be removed with a brief surgical intervention,” he said.

Olmert said the public had “the right to know” about his condition. His predecessor, Ariel Sharon, who was disabled by a stroke, was criticized for not disclosing his health issues sooner, Reuters notes. The announcement comes as Olmert is engaged in difficult talks in advance of next month's US-sponsored Mideast peace conference.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert attends a ceremony in Hiriya landfill near Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will announce on Monday that he has prostate cancer, but that the disease is not threatening his life, an Israeli government official said.(AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert attends a ceremony in Hiriya landfill near Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will announce on Monday that he has prostate cancer, but...   (Associated Press)
In this photo released by the Government Press Office, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, speaks at a press conference eat his Jerusalem office, Monday, Oct. 29, 2007.  Olmert announced Monday that he has prostate cancer but that the disease is not life threatening and he will continue to perform his...
In this photo released by the Government Press Office, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, speaks at a press conference eat his Jerusalem office, Monday, Oct. 29, 2007. Olmert announced Monday that he...   (Associated Press)
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert attends the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007.  Olmert announced Monday, Oct. 29, 2007  that he has prostate cancer, but that the disease is not life threatening and he will continue to fulfill his duties. (AP Photo/Yoav Lemmer, pool)
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert attends the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. Olmert announced Monday, Oct. 29, 2007 that he has prostate cancer, but that the disease is...   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Hamas, Fatah Agree to Unite

Israel's Ehud Olmert Indicted on Bribery Charges

Israel Frees Another 550 Palestinians

Panetta to Israel: 'Just Get to the Damn Table'

Gilad Shalit Healing After Isolation: Dad


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne