In recent months, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet have embarked on a journey towards healthier lifestyles, marked by weight loss and the promotion of well-being. This initiative, however, unfolds amidst a backdrop of stark humanitarian concerns, particularly regarding the nutritional status of civilians in Gaza.
Netanyahu's Personal Transformation
Netanyahu's makeover began approximately six months ago, coinciding with similar efforts by his wife, Sara. Together, they have embraced a healthier, more ascetic lifestyle. The Prime Minister starts his day at dawn with a 10 km run, followed by a breakfast of low-fat cheese, light bread, and salad. Lunch typically consists of skinless baked fish or baked chicken breast accompanied by baked vegetables. Dinner mirrors breakfast in its simplicity and health-consciousness.
Netanyahu has also taken steps to combat the presence of fattening foods in his workplace. He has banned pastries from government meetings, replacing them with healthier alternatives such as fruit, vegetables, yogurt, and granola. As an occasional treat, he allows himself dried fruit and nuts. As a result of these changes, Netanyahu has lost 10 kg (22 lbs). He showcased his transformation during a visit to the elite Sayeret Matkal unit headquarters, where he served during his IDF career.
Cabinet Ministers Following Suit
Inspired by Netanyahu's example, many cabinet ministers have also adopted healthier lifestyles. The Prime Minister, along with cabinet secretary Zvi Hauser, encouraged ministers to limit their food intake and increase their physical activity.
Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz, for instance, has slimmed down significantly with the help of a fitness plan that includes 50 minutes of vigorous walking five times a week and the removal of sweets from his diet. He has lost 30 kg (66 lbs).
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Other ministers who have experienced weight loss include:
- One minister dropped 6 kg (13 lbs) by making cutbacks in his diet and walking twice a week in the evenings with his wife.
- One minister shed 15 kg (33 lbs) in the past year by playing a lot of tennis.
- Minister Stas Misezhnikov got rid of 6 kg (13 lbs) mainly through gym workouts and making small adjustments to his food intake.
- Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz recently lost weight by eating well and participating in a weekly soccer game.
- Minority Affairs Minister Avishai Braverman is careful about what he eats and brings a sack of nuts to work every day.
- Sports and Culture Minister Limor Livnat slimmed down recently.
- Deputy Finance Minister Yitzhak Cohen recently lost 15 kg (33 lbs).
Even ministers who were not overweight, such as Yuli Edelstein, maintain a regular fitness regime of jogging twice a week and the occasional game of table tennis. Strategic Affairs Minister Moshe Yaalon keeps in shape by riding a hand bicycle due to a hip injury. Interior Minister Eli Yishai gained 3 kg (6 lbs) after breaking his foot but has already lost 2 kg (4 lbs) thanks to a healthy diet.
The collective weight loss of the cabinet ministers has been noticeable. Compliments often circulate before cabinet meetings, acknowledging the positive changes.
Industry, Trade, and Labor Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer, who has struggled with being overweight for years, has recently started another diet.
Army Initiatives for Healthier Lifestyles
In an effort to curb overweight problems and promote a healthy lifestyle among officers, the army has also taken steps to offer fresh fruit and vegetables instead of pastries.
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Controversy Surrounding Starvation Claims in Gaza
Netanyahu's focus on health and well-being contrasts sharply with the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where reports of starvation and malnutrition have sparked international outcry.
Despite evidence presented by international organizations and medical professionals, Netanyahu has refuted claims of widespread hunger in Gaza, stating that reports of starvation are "lies" promoted by Hamas. He has acknowledged a shortage of food but denies any policy of starvation.
The United Nations, however, has warned that starvation and malnutrition in Gaza are at the highest levels since the war began. Nearly 12,000 children under 5 were found to have acute malnutrition in July, including more than 2,500 with severe malnutrition, the most dangerous level. The World Health Organization suggests these numbers are likely an undercount.
While Israel has recently increased the amount of food allowed into Gaza, aid organizations warn that this may not be enough to address the needs of those already severely malnourished. Severely malnourished individuals require specialized treatment, including micronutrient supplementation and therapeutic milk, to avoid potentially fatal complications like refeeding syndrome.
Doctors in Gaza acknowledge that some of those dying or starving have chronic conditions, but they emphasize that these conditions are manageable when food and proper medical treatments are available. The worsening shortages of food have led to the swift deterioration of these cases, with malnutrition being the main factor in their deaths.
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The Gaza Health Ministry says 42 children died of malnutrition-related causes since July 1, along with 129 adults. It says 106 children have died of malnutrition during the entire war. The ministry, part of the Hamas-run government, is staffed by medical professionals and its figures on casualties are seen by the U.N. and other experts as the most reliable.
Individual Tragedies
The human cost of the crisis in Gaza is evident in the stories of individual children like Ro’a Mashi, a 2 1/2-year-old girl who died of malnutrition. Her family showed The Associated Press a photo of Ro’a’s body at the hospital, and it was confirmed by the doctor who received her remains.
Another example is Jamal al-Najjar, a 5-year-old who died of malnutrition and was born with rickets. In the past months, the boy’s weight fell from 16 kilograms to 7.
These cases highlight the devastating impact of food shortages and lack of access to medical care on vulnerable populations in Gaza.