Israeli PM Netanyahu Undergoes Heart Surgery Amid Tensions Over Legal Overhaul Plan

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On Sunday, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was recuperating in the hospital following an emergency heart procedure. This development coincided with an intense national response against his administration’s contentious plan to overhaul the judiciary, resulting in widespread dissent throughout the nation.

Netanyahu’s medical team confirmed the successful implantation of a heart pacemaker and reported that the 73-year-old prime minister was doing well. They expected him to be discharged later the same day. Meanwhile, parliament was engulfed in a heated debate over the first substantial aspect of the judicial reform plan, ahead of Monday’s legislative vote.

Saturday night saw vast protests with hundreds of thousands of Israelis marching in streets across the country, while thousands more converged on Jerusalem, setting up camp near the Knesset (Parliament) in anticipation of Monday’s vote.

The unexpected hospitalization of Netanyahu adds another dramatic element to a succession of events that are poised to shape the future of Israel. Netanyahu, the longest-serving leader of Israel, is currently dealing with the most severe crisis of his tenure, marked by economic turmoil, growing divisions within the military, and a challenge to the country’s social cohesion.

The debate in the parliament proceeded despite Netanyahu’s hospitalization. Simcha Rothman, a primary advocate of the reform, vehemently criticized the judiciary in his opening speech for the session, accusing it of undermining Israel’s democratic foundations by arbitrarily overturning governmental rulings.

Netanyahu’s health issues have impacted his usual routine, with the weekly Cabinet meeting being postponed and a military security assessment concerning the legal dispute also removed from his schedule.

While Netanyahu underwent the procedure under sedation, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally and the architect of the legal reform, acted in his stead. Netanyahu assured in a video statement prior to the surgery that he was feeling well and would proceed with the judiciary reform plan as soon as he was discharged.

The legislators are set to vote on a key measure of the reform that seeks to curtail the power of the Supreme Court in nullifying government decisions deemed “unreasonable.” Supporters of the bill argue that the existing standard grants judges undue authority over elected officials, while detractors warn that removing this standard could pave the way for arbitrary decisions and potential corruption.

In a speech to the parliament, opposition leader Yair Lapid applauded the protesters’ resilience and urged Netanyahu to restart the dialogue for a compromise.

Widespread protesters, representing various sections of Israeli society, view the proposed changes as a power consolidation attempt driven by Netanyahu’s personal and political motives, including his ongoing corruption trial and his allies’ desires to expand control over the West Bank and maintain contentious draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men.

Netanyahu required hospitalization for a pacemaker implantation following a week’s earlier hospital visit due to dehydration, during which a heart monitoring device was implanted that later indicated irregularities.

The mounting pressure on Netanyahu has seen an escalating number of military reservists publicly stating their refusal to serve under a government pushing the nation towards dictatorship. Concerns are rising that the military’s readiness might be at risk.

Netanyahu and his far-right allies initially introduced the judicial overhaul plan in January after assuming office. They maintain the necessity of the plan to balance the perceived overreach of unelected judges. However, critics argue that the reforms could dismantle the country’s checks and balances system, leading to authoritarian rule. U.S. President Joe Biden has called on Netanyahu to halt the plan and aim for wider consensus.

Despite a busy schedule, Netanyahu’s office reassures that his health is sound. However, little information is released regarding his medical history.

A pacemaker, as explained by the National Institutes of Health, regulates a patient’s heart rate, preventing fainting spells, and can also be used to treat heart failure. Patients with a pacemaker often resume normal activities within a few days post-procedure, which typically requires a hospital stay of at least a day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Netanyahu’s heart surgery and judicial reform

More about Netanyahu’s heart surgery and judicial reform

• Background on Netanyahu’s corruption charges
• Israel’s Judicial Reform Overview
• Profile of Justice Minister Yariv Levin
• Information on Israel’s Parliamentary System
• Details about Heart Pacemakers