Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent surgery to implant a pacemaker on Sunday, just hours before lawmakers began debate on a controversial judicial overhaul bill that has brought tens of thousands of protesters to the streets.
On Sunday, hundreds of Israelis protesters prayed at the Western Wall in occupied east Jerusalem, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent during the night a surgery to implant a pacemaker.
Carrying Israeli flags, many also formed a human chain at different locations in Jerusalem, including in front of Jaffa Gate in the Old City.
Despite his operation, which occurred just hours before lawmakers began debate on a controversial judicial overhaul bill, Netanyahu vowed to be there for the vote.
Days earlier, Netanyahu, 73, had been discharged from the same facility after a night of hospitalization following complaints of dizziness.
Protests have intensified in the days leading up to the debate, which began Sunday, ahead of a parliamentary vote on Monday which could see a key part of the proposals passed into law.
Debate is expected to last hours, into Monday morning, and more than 20 lawmakers are scheduled to speak against the bill, according to a list provided by parliament.
The final vote on Monday will be on the “reasonability” clause, through which judges can strike down government decisions.
Netanyahu’s government, which includes extreme-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish allies, plans to curb the Supreme Court’s powers granted under this clause. They argue the changes are necessary to ensure a better balance of power.
Critics accuse Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges he denies, of trying to use the reforms to quash possible judgements against him. He rejects the accusation.
The “reasonability” clause was most recently cited by Israel’s top court to force Netanyahu to remove an ultra-Orthodox cabinet member over a previous tax evasion conviction.
If approved on Monday, it would be the first major component of the proposed legal overhaul to become law.
Other proposed changes include giving the government a greater say in the appointment of judges.
Protests have drawn support from across political and social strata, from both the left and the right, secular and religious groups, peace activists and military reservists, as well as blue-collar and workers in the tech sector crucial to the country’s economy.
Protesters also got support from more than 10,000 air force reservists, including fighter pilots, who have threatened to suspend their volunteer service if the reforms become law.
The judicial revamp has split the nation and, since it was unveiled in January, sparked one of the biggest protest movements in Israel’s history.
Opponents see the proposed revamp as a threat to Israel’s democracy.
Georges Haddad, with AFP
