Israeli President Shimon Peres was rushed to the hospital on Saturday night after he fainted on stage while speaking at an event in Tel Aviv. He regained consciousness shortly afterwards but is being held overnight for observation.
Mr. Peres was answering questions from the crowd after a talk on young leadership when he passed out on Saturday, paramedics told Israeli media.
The 86-year-old regained consciousness on his own a few seconds later, they added.
Initially Mr. Peres refused to be taken to hospital but eventually agreed to go to Tel Hashomer hospital in Tel Aviv for a check up.
Dr Ari Shamis of the hospital told Channel 10 TV that the president would be held overnight for observation, adding that Mr. Peres was not in danger and that he had “spontaneously regained consciousness.”
Mr. Peres’ doctor, Professor Rafi Valden, told Israeli media that the president was doing well and ascribed the episode to overwork.
“It was very hot there and he was standing up for a long tome and felt weak. He feels fine now and is speaking to well- wishers from around the world on the phone.”
Mr. Peres is not known to suffer from any health problems.
His spokeswoman, Ayelet Frisch blamed Mr. Peres’ notoriously grueling schedule and predicted he would be home the next morning.
