Israeli PM Netanyahu leaves hospital to vote on tax bill amid recovery

Jerusalem (The Uttam Hindu): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left the hospital to attend a crucial parliamentary vote on a government tax bill despite medical advice to remain hospitalized. Netanyahu had undergone prostate removal surgery on Sunday night at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem and medical staff had recommended he stay for full recovery. However the Prime Minister made the decision to leave early to be present for the vote. Appearing pale and tired Netanyahu was seen arriving at the Knesset the Israeli parliament accompanied by his personal physician Dr. Tzvika Berkowitz. A live broadcast on the Knesset TV showed him entering the building just hours before the year-end deadline for the vote.

The vote concerning the "Trapped Profits Law" aimed at boosting national revenue from corporate taxes was at risk of failing due to opposition from key coalition partners. Otzma Yehudit an ultranationalist party and Agudat Yisrael an ultra-Orthodox party announced they would vote against the bill citing unmet demands within the coalition. A senior coalition official indicated that Netanyahu is expected to return to the hospital after the vote. Netanyahu who has faced health issues in the past including hernia surgery in March and a pacemaker implant in July 2023, has raised concerns regarding his health among the public. Following the pacemaker surgery many speculated about his condition and the transparency of information shared with the public. Despite annual protocols requiring health reports from the Prime Minister Netanyahu had not released one between 2016 and late 2023 as these protocols were not legally binding.