Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to undergo heart surgery following the advice of doctors. The decision for the procedure came after a monitoring device detected the need for a pacemaker. Despite feeling well, the 73-year-old leader stressed the importance of heeding medical advice.
The surgery will take place at Sheba Medical Centre in Tel HaShomer, with Netanyahu expected to be discharged on Sunday afternoon. This comes after the Prime Minister was rushed to the hospital recently due to a dizzy spell, which was attributed to spending a day in scorching temperatures.
While Netanyahu focuses on his health concerns, protests have erupted in Jerusalem. Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets, marching on the main highway leading to the city. The protests are a last-ditch effort to oppose Netanyahu’s proposed judicial changes, with participants embarking on a four-day, 45-mile journey from Tel Aviv to the Israeli parliament.
The proposed overhaul of the judiciary system, supported by Netanyahu and his far-right allies, aims to limit the powers of unelected judges. Proponents argue that it is necessary for maintaining control, while critics fear it could undermine the system of checks and balances, potentially leading to authoritarian rule.
Over 100 former security chiefs in Israel, including retired military commanders, police commissioners, and intelligence agency heads, have expressed concern over the legislation. They have pleaded with Netanyahu to reconsider the proposed changes.
As the nation awaits news of their leader’s surgical outcome, tensions remain high in Jerusalem. Monday is expected to be a critical day regarding the fate of the proposed judicial changes.
