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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Sami Quadri

Benjamin Netanyahu undergoes surgery to have pacemaker fitted

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent surgery to implant a pacemaker on Sunday.

A statement from Mr Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the surgery was successfully performed at Sheba Medical Center.

Mr Netanyahu said he “feels excellent” and plans to push forward with a controversial judicial overhaul as soon as he is released.

It came a week after he was hospitalised after suffering from apparent dehydration issues.

A pacemaker is fitted when a patient’s heart beats too slow and is often used to treat heart failure.

It came as thousands of Israelis marched from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem to protest against plans aimed at curbing the powers of unelected judges.

Critics say the plan will remove the checks and balances necessary for a democracy.

The bill is due for second and third readings in parliament tomorrow. If approved, it would be the first major component of the proposed legal overhaul to become law.

Other proposals include giving the government a greater say in the appointment of judges.

The crisis has sewn deep divisions within the typically apolitical military.

On Friday, more than 1,100 air force reservists announced they would suspend volunteer service if parliament passes the bill next week.

“We all share a responsibility to stop the deep division, polarisation and rift among the people,” the reservists said in a declaration whose signatories included 235 fighter pilots, 173 drone operators, and 85 commando soldiers.

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