Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has undergone a successful cardiac pacemaker implantation procedure after being admitted to the hospital last week for fainting. The 73-year-old leader will remain under observation in the cardiac unit, and it is anticipated that he will be discharged later today. As a result, the weekly cabinet meeting scheduled for Sunday has been canceled, and Netanyahu's upcoming trips to Cyprus and Turkey have been postponed.
This development is particularly noteworthy as Israel grapples with a highly contentious internal debate surrounding the government's proposed plan to curtail the judiciary's authority in overseeing political decisions. On Saturday night, hundreds of thousands of Israelis participated in demonstrations opposing the plan, specifically a bill expected to be passed soon which would prevent judges from invalidating government decisions or appointments based on their "unreasonableness."
Supporters of the bill, led by Netanyahu's religious, right-wing coalition, argue that it aims to address what they perceive as judicial activism. On the other hand, opponents believe that the bill is crucial for maintaining a system of checks and balances, preventing populist political moves from going unchecked.
The bill has faced severe backlash, with thousands of reservists, who play a vital role in military operations, stating their unwillingness to serve if the bill becomes law. Additionally, over 100 former heads of various security services, many of whom worked closely with Netanyahu, have urged him to halt the legislation.
Notably, Yossi Cohen, a trusted confidant and former chief of the Mossad spy agency under Netanyahu's leadership, penned an op-ed urging the Prime Minister to prioritize national security and reject the bill.
While key members of the governing coalition argue against yielding to "blackmail" and condemn the reservists' stance, the parliament is set to debate the bill on Sunday with the aim of passing it as early as Monday. The contentious nature of the proposed legislation is further complicated by the fact that Netanyahu himself faces indictment on charges of fraud and bribery.
If the bill becomes law, there is a high likelihood that the Supreme Court will be called upon to invalidate it, potentially creating a constitutional crisis. The outcome of this battle over the judiciary's powers will have far-reaching implications for Israeli governance and the balance of power within the country.