Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu underwent a pacemaker implantation early Sunday morning, shortly before a crucial Knesset vote on a contentious judicial reform bill, according to a statement from his office. The procedure took place at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer, with Justice Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin stepping in for Netanyahu during his recovery.
The operation was urgently needed after a heart monitor warned of a “transient heart block,” stated Dr. Eyal Nof, head of the Invasive Electrophysiology Service at Sheba Medical Center. The condition, which can cause a slow heartbeat or missed beats, was detected by a subcutaneous heart monitor installed when Netanyahu was admitted for dehydration a week earlier.
Netanyahu, 73, publicly addressed his health situation on Twitter, saying, “I feel great, but I listen to my doctors.” He expressed optimism about his quick recovery and readiness to return to the Knesset for the vote.
The pending legislation in question, which would curtail the Supreme Court’s power to overturn government decisions that it deems “unreasonable,” has sparked widespread protests across Israel.