Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Undergoes Heart Procedure as Judicial Overhaul Spurs Unrest

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Undergoes Heart Procedure as Judicial Overhaul Spurs Unrest

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent an emergency heart procedure while his government’s contentious judicial overhaul plan sparked widespread opposition and unrest across the country.

On Sunday, Netanyahu’s doctors reported that the heart pacemaker implantation went smoothly, and the 73-year-old Prime Minister was in stable condition and expected to be discharged later in the day. However, tensions ran high as lawmakers engaged in a marathon debate over the overhaul, with a parliamentary vote scheduled for the next day.

Mass protests continued for the seventh consecutive month, constituting the most sustained and intense demonstrations in the country’s history. Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets on Saturday night, with thousands camping out near the parliament building in Jerusalem in preparation for Monday’s crucial vote.

The sudden hospitalization added a dramatic twist to an already tumultuous series of events, with far-reaching implications for Israel’s future. Netanyahu, the longest-serving Israeli leader, faced a severe domestic crisis, affecting the economy, military, and social fabric of the polarized nation.

Despite Netanyahu’s health setback, lawmakers proceeded with the debate, with Simcha Rothman, a key proponent of the overhaul, delivering a fiery speech denouncing the courts for allegedly undermining Israel’s democratic principles.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s health issues disrupted his schedule, postponing the weekly Cabinet meeting and necessitating rescheduling of planned overseas trips to Cyprus and Turkey.

In a video message from his hospital room, Netanyahu reassured the public that he was fine and determined to continue with the legislation while seeking a compromise with opponents.

The proposed overhaul aims to limit the Supreme Court’s oversight powers, preventing judges from striking down government decisions on the grounds of being “unreasonable.” Proponents argue that the current standard grants judges excessive authority over elected officials’ decisions. However, critics contend that removing the standard could lead to arbitrary government decisions, improper appointments, firings, and potential corruption.

The opposition leader, Yair Lapid, called for Netanyahu to resume compromise talks and praised the protesters for standing up against the government.

The situation remained tense, with more protests expected in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Demonstrators from various sectors of Israeli society perceived the overhaul as an attempt to consolidate power by Netanyahu and his allies, amid ongoing corruption charges against the Prime Minister and a desire to solidify control over the occupied West Bank and maintain controversial draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men.

Netanyahu’s heart issues were closely monitored due to his long-standing conduction disorder, which caused an irregular heartbeat. The pacemaker implantation was necessary after a temporary arrhythmia on Saturday evening.

Furthermore, the mounting pressure on the Israeli leader included an increasing number of military reservists declaring their refusal to serve under what they perceived as a government moving toward dictatorship. Concerns were raised over potential compromises in the military’s preparedness.

Netanyahu’s government proposed the overhaul plan shortly after taking office, arguing it was necessary to curb the excessive powers of unelected judges. However, critics feared it would undermine checks and balances and pave the way for authoritarian rule.

Throughout his tenure, Netanyahu’s health has been a subject of limited disclosure, and the pacemaker procedure is expected to allow him to resume regular activities within a few days, according to medical experts.

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• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu undergoes heart procedure
• Israeli government’s contentious judicial overhaul plan
• Mass protests continue amid judicial overhaul plan opposition
• Impact of the protests on Israel’s political and social landscape
• Concerns over military reservists’ refusal to serve under proposed reforms
• Details about the proposed judicial overhaul and its objectives
• International response and concerns regarding the situation in Israel