By Pesach Benson • August 23, 2026
Jerusalem, 23 August, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Former Knesset member and Labor Party chairwoman Shelly Yachimovich revealed Sunday that she was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer eight months ago and has since undergone surgery and chemotherapy.
Yachimovich, 66, said the tumor was detected at an early stage, without metastases, and that three CT scans since her surgery have shown no signs of recurrence. She continues to receive chemotherapy every two weeks.
Israeli opposition leader MK Shelly Yachimovich casts her vote in Tel Aviv during national elections on April 9, 2019. Photo by Kobi Richter/TPS
“There are hard days, but there is no unhappiness or fear,” Yachimovich wrote in a social media post, adding that she continues to ride her bicycle, visit the beach and meet friends, albeit at a reduced pace.
Yachimovich served as opposition leader from 2012-2013 and in 2019.
