Netanyahu Leaves Hospital to Secure Passage of Controversial Budget Bill

The Israeli Prime Minister defied medical advice following prostate surgery to attend a critical parliamentary vote, exposing deep divisions within his coalition.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left the hospital just two days after prostate surgery to attend a key vote on a controversial budget-related bill in the Knesset.
The legislation, known as the 'Trapped Profits Law,' seeks to tax previously exempt corporate profits and is crucial for passing the state budget before the March 31 deadline to avoid triggering new elections.
Netanyahu’s presence ensured the bill passed by a narrow margin, despite opposition from coalition partners including the far-right Otzma Yehudit and United Torah Judaism parties.
Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben Gvir opposed the bill over funding disagreements for police, while United Torah Judaism demanded progress on legislation exempting ultra-Orthodox Jews from military service.
Netanyahu’s decision to leave the hospital against doctors' orders highlights ongoing political instability within his government, which holds a fragile majority in the Knesset.