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WASHINGTON (AP) — Carmelo Pacheco's 18 points helped Mount St. Mary's defeat Howard 79-75 on Saturday. Pacheco shot 6 for 8 from beyond the arc for the Mountaineers (5-2). Dallas Hobbs shot 5 of 16 from the field, including 1 for 8 from 3-point range, and went 6 for 7 from the line to add 17 points. Terrell Ard Jr. had 16 points and shot 4 of 6 from the field and 8 of 8 from the free-throw line. Anwar Gill finished with 18 points for the Bison (3-5). Blake Harper added 15 points, seven rebounds and two steals for Howard. Joshua Strong also had 12 points. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by and data from . The Associated Press
With the results just hours away, all eyes are on Thane, one of the 288 Vidhan Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra , which went to the polls on November 20. Located near Mumbai, Thane has always been a key seat in the state’s political landscape. Once a Shiv Sena stronghold, Thane has been held by the BJP since 2014. This election promises an intense contest between Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Rajan Vichare and BJP’s Sanjay Kelkar, the current MLA. Adding more intrigue, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s (MNS) Avinash Jadhav is also in the fray. Thane's demographics Thane is an unreserved constituency with about 3.36 lakh voters. The seat has a diverse population, including significant Muslim, Scheduled Caste, and tribal communities. Patil, Yadav, and Christian voters also play an important role in deciding the outcome, according to reports. Past election trends The Congress dominated Thane for several years before Shiv Sena took control in the 1990s. However, the BJP broke through in 2014 and retained the seat in 2019. In the 2019 assembly elections, Sanjay Kelkar of BJP defeated MNS candidate Avinash Jadhav by a margin of around 92,000 votes. Jadhav had secured nearly 72,000 votes. Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrow's Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By - Study At Home, Quality Education Anytime, Anywhere View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Office Productivity Microsoft Word Mastery: From Beginner to Expert By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI for Everyone: Understanding and Applying the Basics on Artificial Intelligence By - Ritesh Vajariya, Generative AI Expert View Program Marketing Future of Marketing & Branding Masterclass By - Dr. David Aaker, Professor Emeritus at the Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley, Author | Speaker | Thought Leader | Branding Consultant View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Crypto & NFT Mastery: From Basics to Advanced By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Tally Prime & GST Accounting: Complete Guide By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By - Neil Patel, Co-Founder and Author at Neil Patel Digital Digital Marketing Guru View Program Web Development Master RESTful APIs with Python and Django REST Framework: Web API Development By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development C++ Fundamentals for Absolute Beginners By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program In 2014, Kelkar beat Shiv Sena’s Ravindra Phatak with a comfortable margin. Kelkar garnered around 70,000 votes, while Phatak managed fewer than 60,000 votes. Interestingly, the current Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had also won from Thane in the 2004 elections. Thane constituency remains a key battleground, and the results will reveal whether BJP can continue its dominance, Shiv Sena can reclaim its legacy, or MNS can script a surprise win. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Barcelona lost at home for the first time this season when the Liga leader was stunned by Las Palmas 2-1 on Saturday. Sandro Ramirez and Fábio Silva scored for the Canary Islands club on either side of Raphinha’s equalizer to give Las Palmas its first win at Barcelona in more than 50 years. Barcelona played superbly in the first three months under new coach Hansi Flick and was flying high after convincing victories over Real Madrid in the domestic competition and Bayern Munich in the Champions League. It had won all eight of its home games. But it has gone three rounds of La Liga without a win. Before Las Palmas, it fell at Real Sociedad 1-0 and drew at Celta Vigo 2-2 after squandering a two-goal lead in the final minutes. The dropped points mean Madrid, despite its own troubles , especially in the Champions League, can move ahead of Barcelona in La Liga. It trails Barcelona by four points with two games in hand. “I don’t care about scoring, I care about winning,” Raphinha said after his standout performance was unable to end Barcelona's slump. “We have to take a hard look at what we are doing wrong. We have slipped in our form and are letting games get away form us. We have our next game on Tuesday (at Mallorca), and we need to turn this around so we can win the league.” Atletico Madrid was only two points behind Barcelona in second place — and with the same number of games played — after Antoine Griezmann scored a gem of a goal in a 5-0 demolition of last-placed Valladolid. Las Palmas savored its first victory at Barcelona since the 1971-72 season and just its third victory at the Catalan club overall. The other visits by the modest side that wears all yellow uniforms to Barcelona have ended in 34 defeats and three draws. “We are thrilled because we have made history,” Sandro said. “When you start the season you think that these games are usually going to end in wins for the bigger side, but if there is one thing we believe in is our capacity to work hard all week to get results like this.” Barcelona's Lamine Yamal returned from a right ankle injury that sidelined him for three weeks. Yamal appeared as a halftime substitute and Jasper Cillessen saved his best shot. The Las Palmas goalkeeper also palmed a Raphinha free kick over his bar in the final minutes. Sandro, a former Barcelona youth player, capped a fine five-pass buildup by Las Palmas from its own box as it masterfully undid Barcelona’s high pressure in the 49th minute. Raphinha had already hit the crossbar in the first half before he equalized in the 61st. The Brazil forward took a short pass from Pedri just outside the area, skirted across the edge and drilled a shot between two defenders. But Barcelona was caught pushing forward for a second goal when Silva controlled a ball from Javi Muñoz and sent in a shot bouncing past Iñaki Peña in the 67th. The unexpected loss dampened Barcelona’s celebration of its 125th anniversary, which included the debut of its new mascot “Cat,” a large, yellow feline wearing its team kit. Barcelona lost left back Alejandro Balde early in the game when he couldn’t continue after he crashed into Sandro at full speed. Balde appeared to hurt his upper chest or neck area when he ran into Sandro’s shoulder. He was carried off on a stretcher and replaced by Gerard Martín. Griezmann scored one of the goals of the season when the forward exchanged a quick one-two with Julián Alvarez and used a sleek touch of the inside of his boot to roll the ball with him as he spun before dinking it over the Valladolid goalkeeper. That was the visitor's fourth goal. Shortly after, Valladolid fans stood up and applauded when Griezmann was substituted. “That is what every players wants, to make people enjoy what we do. So I appreciate their warmth,” Griezmann said. Atletico also got goals from Alvarez, Clement Lenglet, Rodrigo de Paul, and Alexander Sorloth. Espanyol beat Celta 3-1 to end a streak of four losses in the league and relieve pressure on coach Manolo González. Alaves also drew with Leganes 1-1 at home. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerThe Big Ten race has come down to Oregon vs. Penn State . For the first time this season, the Ducks and Nittany Lions will clash in the 2024 Big Ten Championship Game ( Saturday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS ). This will be just the fifth meeting all-time between the two teams and the first since 1995 when Penn State beat Oregon in the Rose Bowl to cap a 12-0 season. In one sense, this game is for College Football Playoff seeding, as both teams are likely in regardless of the result inside Lucas Oil Stadium Saturday in Indianapolis. While that's a heck of a safety net, Oregon and Penn State go into Tuesday's penultimate College Football Playoff Rankings at Nos. 1 and 4, respectively. Penn State's only blemish on its record a 7-point loss against Ohio State at home. Ohio State's Week 14 loss against Michigan opened the door for Penn State to re-enter the title game conversation, and the Nittany Lions pounced on the opportunity with a 44-7 rout of Maryland . Given Oregon and Penn State's résumés thus far, it could be a thrilling Big Ten Championship Game with plenty on the line! What to know about Oregon Dan Lanning has carried on what Mario Cristobal started -- which is loading up on brawn and speed to make Oregon resemble an elite SEC team. The Ducks may be better than everyone at those two aspects, however. Oregon has been No. 1 in the AP Top 25 poll since Oct. 20. The pinnacle of the season, to date, is squeaking out a 32-31 game over Ohio State in Eugene that absolutely lived up to the hype. The Ducks are led by QB Dillon Gabriel , who is within throwing distance of the FBS career passing mark depending on how far Oregon advances in the postseason. Gabriel will make his FBS career record 62nd start against Ohio State. If you're looking for edges, this will be Oregon's 10th straight week of football. The Ducks have been resilient so far, combining a controlled passing game and a punishing running attack with a smothering defense. That defense is led by linebacker Matayo Uiagalelei , who is having an All-American season. The younger brother of DJ Uiagalelei has 8.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss, while his breakout game may have come in the Ohio State win. In that win, he had a then-career high five tackles and a sack of Howard on the Buckeyes' final drive. Lanning is a national coach of the year candidate having assembled the nation's only undefeated team. Instead of adapting to the Big Ten in their first season as a league member, the Ducks have ruled it. Now, can they cap it with a conference title? What to know About Penn State For the first time in eight years, and the second time under coach James Franklin, Penn State is making its way back to Indianapolis. Good news, Nittany Lions: You're 1-0 in your Big Ten Championship Game appearances under Franklin, and you also avoid playing either Ohio State or Michigan with a title on the line. Penn State's defense has been predictably excellent this season. The Nittany Lions entered Week 14 ranked third in the Big Ten in total defense (273.4 yards per game) and second in scoring defense (14.6 points per game). Abdul Carter , who dons Penn State's all-important No. 11, has put together an All-Big Ten campaign with 10 sacks on the year. But the real story has been Penn State's offensive revitalization. Franklin made a splash in the offseason by going out and hiring offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki from Kansas , and he has solidified his status as one of the most innovative minds in the sport. Former five-star quarterback Drew Allar is playing the best football of his career under Kotelnicki. Allar finished the regular season with a 71.6% completion percentage and 2,668 yards passing, which are career highs, and 18 touchdowns through the air. The Nittany Lions also have the Big Ten's top rushing rushing attack behind the stellar running back duo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen . And then there's tight end Tyler Warren , who has been a revelation for a Penn State pass game that sorely lacked in playmakers entering the year. Kotelnicki has unlocked Warren's abilities as a multi-dimensional threat; the senior has lined up at tight end, quarterback, fullback, running back, wide receiver and even offensive line this season. He's the clear focal point of Penn State's offense, with a team-high 81 catches for 978 yards and six touchdowns, and the Nittany Lions are likely to go as he does through the postseason.
Trump's Republican Party is increasingly winning union voters. It's a shift seen in his labor pick
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent successful surgery Sunday to have his prostate removed, hospital officials said, a procedure that came as he manages multiple crises including the war in Gaza and his trial for alleged corruption . Netanyahu, who has had a series of health issues in recent years, has gone to great lengths to bolster a public image of himself as a healthy, energetic leader. During his trial this month, he boasted about working 18-hour days, accompanied by a cigar. But as Israel's longest-serving leader, such a grueling workload over a total of 17 years in power could take a toll on his well-being. Netanyahu, 75, is among older world leaders including U.S. President Joe Biden, 82 , President-elect Donald Trump, 78 , Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva , 79, and Pope Francis , 88, who have come under scrutiny for their age and health issues. Netanyahu's latest condition is common in older men, but the procedure has had some fallout. The judges overseeing his trial accepted a request from his lawyer on Sunday to call off three days of testimony scheduled this week. The lawyer, Amit Hadad, had argued that Netanyahu would be fully sedated for the procedure and hospitalized for “a number of days.” Dr. Ofer Gofrit, head of the urology department at Jerusalem's Hadassah Medical Center, said in a video statement late Sunday that the procedure had gone well and “there was no fear” of cancer or malignancy. “We only hope for the best,” he said. In a statement, Netanyahu thanked his doctors. His office said he was "fully alert" and was taken to an underground recovery unit fortified against potential missile attacks. Netanyahu was expected to remain in the hospital for several days of observation. Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, served as acting prime minister during the operation. With so much at stake, Netanyahu’s health in wartime is a concern for both Israelis and the wider world. As Israel’s leader, Netanyahu is at the center of major global events that are shifting the Middle East . With the dizzying pace of the past 14 months, being incapacitated for even a few hours can be risky. Netanyahu will be in the hospital at a time when international mediators are pushing Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and as fighting between Israel and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels intensifies . Prostate issues are common and in many cases easily treatable. Still, the procedure puts a dent in Netanyahu’s image of vigor at a time when he would want to project strength more than ever, both to an Israeli audience navigating constant threats as well as to Israel’s enemies looking to expose its weaknesses. Netanyahu insists he is in excellent health. His office releases footage of him touring war zones in full protective gear flanked by military officers, or meeting with defense officials on windswept hilltops in youthful dark shades and puffer jackets. But that image was shattered last year when Netanyahu’s doctors revealed that he had a heart condition , a problem that he had apparently long known about but concealed from the public. A week after a fainting spell, Netanyahu was fitted with a pacemaker to control his heartbeat. Only then did staff at the Sheba Medical Center reveal that Netanyahu has for years experienced a condition that can cause irregular heartbeats. The revelation came as Netanyahu was dealing with massive anti-government protests. The news about a chronic heart problem stoked further anger and distrust during extreme political polarization in Israel. Last year, Netanyahu was rushed to the hospital for what doctors said likely was dehydration . He stayed overnight, prompting his weekly Cabinet meeting to be delayed. Earlier this year, Netanyahu underwent hernia surgery , during which he was under full anesthesia and unconscious. Levin served as acting prime minister during the operation. According to Netanyahu’s office, the Israeli leader was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection on Wednesday stemming from a benign enlargement of his prostate. The infection was treated successfully with antibiotics, but doctors said the surgery was needed in any case. Complications from prostate enlargement are common in men in their 70s and 80s, Dr. Shay Golan, head of the oncology urology service at Israel’s Rabin Medical Center, told Israeli Army Radio. Golan spoke in general terms and was not involved in Netanyahu’s care or treatment. He said an enlarged prostate can block proper emptying of the bladder, leading to a build-up of urine that can lead to an infection or other complications. After medicinal treatment, doctors can recommend a procedure to remove the prostate to prevent future blockages, Golan said. In Netanyahu’s case, because the prostate is not cancerous, Golan said doctors were likely performing an endoscopic surgery, carried out by inserting small instruments into a body cavity, rather than making surgical cuts in the abdomen to reach the prostate. The procedure lasts about an hour, Golan said, and recovery is quick. He said that aside from catheter use for one to three days after the procedure, patients can return to normal activity without significant limitations. AP correspondent Isaac Scharf contributed reporting.Dec 2 (Reuters) - The United States will provide Ukraine with a $725 million weapons package, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday, as President Joe Biden's outgoing administration seeks to bolster the government in Kyiv in its war with Russian invaders before leaving office in January. The assistance will include Stinger missiles, ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), drones and land mines, among other items, Blinken said in a statement. Reuters had reported last week that the Biden administration planned to provide the equipment, much of it anti-tank weapons to ward off Russia's attacking troops. "The United States and more than 50 nations stand united to ensure Ukraine has the capabilities it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression," Blinken's statement said. The announcement marks a steep uptick in size from Biden's recent use of so-called Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), which allows the U.S. to draw from current weapons stocks to help allies in an emergency. Recent PDA announcements have typically ranged from $125 million to $250 million. Biden has an estimated $4 billion to $5 billion in PDA already authorized by Congress that he is expected to use for Ukraine before Republican President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20. The tranche of weapons represents the first time in decades that the United States has exported land mines, the use of which is controversial because of the potential harm to civilians. Although more than 160 countries have signed a treaty banning their use, Kyiv has been asking for them since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in early 2022, and Russian forces have used them on the front lines. The land mines that would be sent to Ukraine are "non-persistent," with a power system that lasts for just a short time, leaving the devices non-lethal. This means that - unlike older landmines - they would not remain in the ground, threatening civilians indefinitely. Sign up here. Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; additional reporting by Rami Ayyub; editing by Jonathan Oatis Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab Thomson Reuters Patricia Zengerle has reported from more than 20 countries, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and China. An award-winning Washington-based national security and foreign policy reporter who also has worked as an editor, Patricia has appeared on NPR, C-Span and other programs, spoken at the National Press Club and attended the Hoover Institution Media Roundtable. She is a recipient of the Edwin M. Hood Award for Diplomatic Correspondence.( MENAFN - Jordan Times) AMMAN - HRH Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, President of the Royal Scientific Society and Chair of the Board of Trustees at Princess Sumaya University for technology (PSUT), attended the closing ceremony of the 16th Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW). Organised annually by the Queen Rania Centre for Entrepreneurship in strategic partnership with Zain Innovation Campus (ZINC), the week-long event celebrated innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial achievements, according to a PSUT statement. This year's Global Entrepreneurship Week began with a visit by her majesty Queen Rania to the PSUT campus, "marking an inspiring and unforgettable start to the activities." Her Majesty's presence underscored the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and empowering young entrepreneurs to drive sustainable development. The closing ceremony was attended by PSUT President Wejdan Abu Elhaija, alongside representatives from El Hassan Science City, the innovation and entrepreneurship sectors, and other participating organisations. In her speech, Princess Sumaya underscored the role of Global Entrepreneurship Week as a platform for exchanging ideas and addressing market challenges, stressing that entrepreneurship transcends local markets, offering young people expanded opportunities and driving global progress. The princess highlighted the critical need for investment in knowledge as a cornerstone of development. She noted that knowledge, coupled with innovation and technology, provides solutions to global challenges and enhances the quality of life. These principles are particularly crucial in advancing efforts to rebuild and foster resilience in communities affected by crises, including those in Palestine and Gaza, she said. Citing the example of Gazan entrepreneur Majd Al Mashharawi, who developed eco-friendly construction solutions through GreenCake and solar energy innovations with SunBox, the Princess praised such initiatives as powerful examples of entrepreneurship's potential to address pressing local challenges through creativity and innovation. The princess also advocated for integrating entrepreneurship into educational curricula and research institutions to cultivate entrepreneurial thinking at an early stage. She added that this would empower young people to transform ideas into impactful projects that contribute to sustainable development, praising the Queen Rania Centre for Entrepreneurship for its pivotal role in fostering technological innovation and supporting national progress. In her concluding remarks, Princess Sumaya celebrated the resilience and creativity of entrepreneurs, recognising them as drivers of change and sources of inspiration for future generations. Director of the Queen Rania Centre for Entrepreneurship Mohammad Obeidat shared the successes of this year's activities, which extended beyond Jordan to include several Arab countries. The programme featured lectures, workshops, dialogue sessions, and networking opportunities focused on topics such as environmental systems, education, inclusion, and policy. Obeidat also highlighted the collaborative efforts of participants in advancing the centre's vision of becoming a leading platform for creativity and entrepreneurship to support community development. Director of Corporate Communications and Sustainability at Zain Jordan Tareq Bitar said that ZINC, in collaboration with the Queen Rania Centre for Entrepreneurship, hosted 36 entrepreneurial activities across five Jordanian universities and at its headquarters in King Hussein Business Park. These events, which attracted around 800 participants and featured 38 speakers and trainers, aimed to align with labour market needs by enhancing students' skills and academic knowledge in key areas of entrepreneurship, Bitar added. The ceremony concluded with the announcement of the winners of the Jordanian University Students' Entrepreneurship Competition and the DART Tank competition, recognising their innovative contributions to the entrepreneurial landscape. MENAFN30112024000028011005ID1108942228 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
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TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent successful surgery Sunday to have his prostate removed, hospital officials said, a procedure that came as he manages multiple crises including the war in Gaza and his trial for alleged corruption . Netanyahu, who has had a series of health issues in recent years, has gone to great lengths to bolster a public image of himself as a healthy, energetic leader. During his trial this month, he boasted about working 18-hour days, accompanied by a cigar. But as Israel's longest-serving leader, such a grueling workload over a total of 17 years in power could take a toll on his well-being. Netanyahu, 75, is among older world leaders including U.S. President Joe Biden, 82 , President-elect Donald Trump, 78 , Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva , 79, and Pope Francis , 88, who have come under scrutiny for their age and health issues. Netanyahu's latest condition is common in older men, but the procedure has had some fallout. The judges overseeing his trial accepted a request from his lawyer on Sunday to call off three days of testimony scheduled this week. The lawyer, Amit Hadad, had argued that Netanyahu would be fully sedated for the procedure and hospitalized for “a number of days.” Dr. Ofer Gofrit, head of the urology department at Jerusalem's Hadassah Medical Center, said in a video statement late Sunday that the procedure had gone well and “there was no fear” of cancer or malignancy. “We only hope for the best,” he said. In a statement, Netanyahu thanked his doctors. His office said he was "fully alert" and was taken to an underground recovery unit fortified against potential missile attacks. Netanyahu was expected to remain in the hospital for several days of observation. Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, served as acting prime minister during the operation. With so much at stake, Netanyahu’s health in wartime is a concern for both Israelis and the wider world. As Israel’s leader, Netanyahu is at the center of major global events that are shifting the Middle East . With the dizzying pace of the past 14 months, being incapacitated for even a few hours can be risky. Netanyahu will be in the hospital at a time when international mediators are pushing Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and as fighting between Israel and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels intensifies . Prostate issues are common and in many cases easily treatable. Still, the procedure puts a dent in Netanyahu’s image of vigor at a time when he would want to project strength more than ever, both to an Israeli audience navigating constant threats as well as to Israel’s enemies looking to expose its weaknesses. Netanyahu insists he is in excellent health. His office releases footage of him touring war zones in full protective gear flanked by military officers, or meeting with defense officials on windswept hilltops in youthful dark shades and puffer jackets. But that image was shattered last year when Netanyahu’s doctors revealed that he had a heart condition , a problem that he had apparently long known about but concealed from the public. A week after a fainting spell, Netanyahu was fitted with a pacemaker to control his heartbeat. Only then did staff at the Sheba Medical Center reveal that Netanyahu has for years experienced a condition that can cause irregular heartbeats. The revelation came as Netanyahu was dealing with massive anti-government protests. The news about a chronic heart problem stoked further anger and distrust during extreme political polarization in Israel. Last year, Netanyahu was rushed to the hospital for what doctors said likely was dehydration . He stayed overnight, prompting his weekly Cabinet meeting to be delayed. Earlier this year, Netanyahu underwent hernia surgery , during which he was under full anesthesia and unconscious. Levin served as acting prime minister during the operation. According to Netanyahu’s office, the Israeli leader was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection on Wednesday stemming from a benign enlargement of his prostate. The infection was treated successfully with antibiotics, but doctors said the surgery was needed in any case. Complications from prostate enlargement are common in men in their 70s and 80s, Dr. Shay Golan, head of the oncology urology service at Israel’s Rabin Medical Center, told Israeli Army Radio. Golan spoke in general terms and was not involved in Netanyahu’s care or treatment. He said an enlarged prostate can block proper emptying of the bladder, leading to a build-up of urine that can lead to an infection or other complications. After medicinal treatment, doctors can recommend a procedure to remove the prostate to prevent future blockages, Golan said. In Netanyahu’s case, because the prostate is not cancerous, Golan said doctors were likely performing an endoscopic surgery, carried out by inserting small instruments into a body cavity, rather than making surgical cuts in the abdomen to reach the prostate. The procedure lasts about an hour, Golan said, and recovery is quick. He said that aside from catheter use for one to three days after the procedure, patients can return to normal activity without significant limitations. AP correspondent Isaac Scharf contributed reporting.Jailed PKK Leader open to working with Turkey, DEM SaysHornets sign Isaiah Wong to two-way deal