Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent “successful” hernia surgery, AFP quotes his office as saying.

Netanyahu was “in good shape and beginning to recover”, his office said in a statement after the operation on Sunday evening, which was closely watched as the offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip nears six months.

Doctors discovered the hernia on Saturday during a routine checkup, and after consultations, the decision was made for the premier to undergo surgery after completing his daily schedule, his office said.

Thousands of Israelis demonstrated in Jerusalem on Sunday evening to call for Netanyahu’s resignation and the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.