Emergency hospitalization for Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Israeli PM Netanyahu rushed to hospital for emergency pacemaker procedure.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been rushed to the hospital for an emergency procedure to implant a pacemaker. Netanyahu's office stated that he would be placed under sedation and that Justice Minister Yariv Levin would stand in for him during the procedure. However, Netanyahu himself declared that he "feels excellent" and intends to continue with his plans once he is released. Levin is the mastermind behind the overhaul.

This announcement came after Netanyahu was hospitalized last week for dehydration and amidst large protests against the judicial overhaul plan. Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets across Israel, with thousands marching into Jerusalem and camping near the parliament. Over 100 retired security chiefs have also voiced their support for military reservists who plan to stop reporting for duty if the plan is passed.

Netanyahu and his far-right allies introduced the overhaul plan shortly after taking office, claiming it is necessary to limit the powers of unelected judges. However, critics argue that the plan will undermine the country's system of checks and balances and lead to authoritarian rule. US President Joe Biden has urged Netanyahu to halt the plan and seek consensus.

Netanyahu, known for his busy schedule, is said to be in good health according to his office. However, few details or medical records have been released over the years. His recent hospitalization for the pacemaker procedure suggests more serious health issues than initially reported. Netanyahu stated that he was fitted with a monitor after last week's hospitalization, and when an alarm sounded, it indicated the need for an immediate pacemaker.

The impact of Netanyahu's hospitalization on the judicial overhaul plan remains unclear. He expects to be released in time for Monday's vote in the Knesset. In the meantime, his Cabinet meeting has been postponed. A pacemaker is used to regulate a patient's heartbeat if it beats too slowly or to treat heart failure. Patients with pacemakers typically resume regular activities within a few days.

While Netanyahu addressed the situation, thousands of Israelis camped out in Jerusalem's main park after completing a four-day march from Tel Aviv to protest against the judicial overhaul. Hundreds of thousands of Israelis also took to the streets in Tel Aviv and other cities to oppose the plan. The proposed overhaul has faced criticism from business and medical leaders, as well as an increasing number of military reservists who have threatened to stop reporting for duty if it passes, raising concerns about national security.