Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been discharged from the hospital after undergoing prostate removal surgery. He left his hospital bed early to cast a crucial vote on a budget bill, which helped prevent a rebellion in his governing coalition.
Netanyahu, 75, expressed his gratitude to the citizens of Israel for their prayers and support during his recovery. He underwent a successful operation on December 29 and was expected to stay in the hospital for a few days. However, he defied medical advice and went to the Knesset to ensure the passage of a tax bill amidst growing divisions within the government.
One of Netanyahu’s coalition partners, the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, was demanding increased funding for the Israel Police and had been voting against coalition bills as a pressure tactic. With Netanyahu’s vote, the tax bill passed by a narrow margin of 59-58.
Netanyahu criticized the party leader, Itamar Ben-Gvir, for jeopardizing the stability of the right-wing government. Ben-Gvir, in response, stood by his actions, stating that he was willing to face criticism for his decisions.
If the Otzma Yehudit party were to leave the coalition, Netanyahu would have a slim majority in the Knesset. The political maneuvering highlights the delicate balance of power in Israeli politics.
As Netanyahu continues his recovery, the future of the coalition government remains uncertain. The recent events have underscored the challenges of maintaining unity within the diverse political landscape of Israel.
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