Drama unfolds in Israel: PM Netanyahu’s surgery amid controversial bill voting

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reported to be in stable condition after undergoing a pacemaker implantation surgery overnight, according to Sheba Medical Centre. The medical facility released a statement on Sunday (July 23), declaring that the prime minister will continue to be under medical supervision in the cardiology department.

The news of his surgery arrived just hours before lawmakers were scheduled to debate a highly contested judicial reform bill, against which numerous protests have been held. The reform proposal from Benjamin Netanyahu’s hard-right government has significantly divided the nation, resulting in one of the largest protest movements in Israel‘s history since its introduction in January.

The prime minister previously indicated that he would undergo the surgery and assured that he would be discharged in time to participate in the key vote on judicial reforms. As per his late Saturday (July 22) video statement, a monitoring device that was previously installed alerted him to the necessity of the pacemaker implantation. Despite his surgery, the Israeli prime minister felt great and chose to heed his doctors’ advice.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s health stable following pacemaker surgery. Photo courtesy of Amos Ben-Gershom (GPO)/Israeli Prime Minister’s Office.

In the video, a smiling Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he had received assurances from his doctors about being discharged by the next afternoon. The Prime Minister’s office later stated that during the procedure, Justice Minister Yariv Levin would take his place.

This is the second hospitalization for Benjamin Netanyahu in recent times, as he was admitted to the same medical center a week earlier after experiencing dizziness. This health concern arises amidst a crucial time in Israeli politics, with the debate and subsequent voting on the reform bill scheduled for Monday (July 24). The key “reasonability” clause will undergo final voting, which allows the government’s decisions to be overruled by judges. Netanyahu’s government intends to limit the Supreme Court’s powers under this clause, arguing that the changes are necessary to achieve a better balance of power.