Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was released from Sheba Hospital on Monday after a stay that lasted just over 24 hours. The timing is notable as Israel heads toward a pivotal Knesset vote on a judicial reform measure that would limit the judiciary’s ability to review government decisions for reasonableness.
The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the discharge, and Sheba Medical Center, Israel’s largest hospital, released a video showing Netanyahu’s convoy departing the facility near Tel Aviv in the city of Ramat Gan.
Netanyahu, 73, had been hospitalized for dehydration a little over a week ago and underwent a cardiac assessment as part of the process. Doctors decided to insert a pacemaker, a step that will be monitored closely in the days ahead.
Officials stated that the medical procedure was completed successfully and that the Prime Minister is feeling well. He will remain at Sheba Hospital for observation and is expected to be discharged soon, according to the hospital announcement.
The discharge comes as Parliament readies a vote on a contentious reform bill that would curtail the judiciary’s oversight of government actions by limiting the reasonableness standard. Supporters argue the reform is essential for streamlining governance, while opponents warn it could erode checks and balances and undermine the separation of powers.
Since Saturday night thousands of Israelis have gathered near the Knesset in Jerusalem to protest the bill, expressing concerns about democratic norms and the independence of the judiciary. The demonstrations reflect a deep societal divide and the broad stakes involved in the reform debate.
Netanyahu had signaled his intention to participate in the vote as soon as he was released. However, his office has not provided a concrete update on the voting timeline, leaving observers to await further statements.
Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog, visited Netanyahu at the hospital on Sunday and urged a restart of dialogue with the opposition after both leaders acknowledged the severity of the rift caused by the judicial reform plan. Herzog emphasized that emergencies demand urgency and that any agreement must emerge from constructive talks with opposition leaders, including Yair Lapid, in order to stabilize the political landscape.
In a brief public remark, Herzog underscored that reaching a consensus is essential to healing the national divide and restoring trust in the democratic process. The visit highlighted the sense of national concern as the reform package moves toward a decisive vote.