Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference in Jerusalem, December 9, 2024. Maya Alleruzzo/Reuters
**Israeli Leader Netanyahu Passes Controversial Bill Amid Hospital Stay**
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu temporarily left the hospital on Monday to oversee the passage of a divisive judicial reform bill in parliament. The legislation, which has sparked widespread protests and international concern, limits the powers of Israel’s Supreme Court, giving lawmakers more control over judicial decisions.
Netanyahu, 73, was admitted to Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv over the weekend after reportedly feeling unwell. Despite undergoing surgery to implant a pacemaker, he made a brief appearance at the Knesset to ensure the bill’s progress, underscoring the significance of the reform for his government.
The Controversial Reform
The judicial overhaul is part of a broader agenda by Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition to reduce the judiciary’s influence over policymaking. Critics argue that the legislation undermines the balance of power and threatens Israel’s democratic foundations. Proponents claim it restores authority to elected officials, reflecting the will of the people.
The bill passed with 64 votes in the 120-seat parliament, as opposition members boycotted the vote in protest. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called the reform “a disaster for Israeli democracy,” while supporters celebrated it as a victory for judicial accountability.
Public Backlash
The reforms have ignited months of protests across Israel, drawing tens of thousands of demonstrators into the streets. Protesters have expressed concerns that the changes erode checks and balances, concentrating power in the hands of Netanyahu’s coalition.
Criticism has also come from international allies, including the United States, where officials have raised concerns about the potential impact on democratic principles and the rule of law.
Netanyahu’s Role Amid Health Concerns
Netanyahu’s decision to leave the hospital for the vote reflects his determination to push the reforms forward, despite personal health challenges. After the legislation passed, he returned to Sheba Medical Center, where doctors reported his recovery from the pacemaker procedure was progressing well.
With the passage of the bill, Israel’s political landscape remains deeply polarized. Opposition leaders have vowed to challenge the reforms through legal and public means, and protests are expected to continue. Meanwhile, Netanyahu and his allies argue the changes are necessary for the country’s future governance.
As Israel grapples with the fallout, the focus shifts to the judiciary’s response and the potential long-term implications for one of the region’s most enduring democracies.