Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to undergo surgery for a hernia after a routine checkup revealed the condition [189c38d2]. The hernia was discovered during a routine checkup, and Netanyahu will be under full anesthesia and unconscious for the procedure [189c38d2]. Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close confidant and deputy prime minister, will serve as acting prime minister during the operation [189c38d2]. Netanyahu, 74, has kept a full schedule throughout Israel's nearly six-month-long war against Hamas and his doctors have said he is in good health [189c38d2]. Last year, it was revealed that Netanyahu had concealed a long-known heart problem after a pacemaker was implanted [189c38d2]. Netanyahu's office has assured the public that the surgery is a precautionary measure and that he is expected to make a full recovery following the procedure [901450c4] [189c38d2].
Thousands of protesters in Jerusalem marched against the Israeli government and military service exemptions granted to ultra-Orthodox Jews [56270119]. The protests also called for a new election to replace the government and a more equal share in the burden of army service [56270119]. Netanyahu's popularity has weakened since the war against Hamas in Gaza, and his trial for corruption is ongoing [56270119]. The government is facing a new crisis over exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men from military service [56270119]. Netanyahu's cabinet has faced widespread criticism over security failures [56270119]. The war in Gaza has intensified the friction in society over the exemptions granted to ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students from military service [56270119]. Netanyahu filed an application to the Supreme Court for a 30-day deferment on resolving the issue [56270119]. Protesters also blocked a main motorway in Tel Aviv, demanding the return of their loved ones held hostage [56270119].
The surgery comes at a time when the government is facing criticism over the issue of military conscription for ultra-Orthodox Jews [b1397af3]. Talks for a truce between Israel and Hamas are set to resume in Cairo, but neither side is optimistic [b1397af3]. The Gaza Strip continues to be bombarded by deadly airstrikes, and an aid ship is sailing from Cyprus to bring food to Gaza [b1397af3]. The UN has ordered Israel to provide urgent humanitarian assistance in Gaza, where famine is setting in [b1397af3]. The war has resulted in a high civilian death toll, and tensions have risen between Israel and the United States over the issue [b1397af3]. Pope Francis has called for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages [b1397af3]. Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war and send troops into Gaza's far-southern city of Rafah [b1397af3]. Domestic pressure is growing on Netanyahu, with protests calling for the release of hostages and his ouster [b1397af3]. Additionally, Israel's exemption from military service for ultra-Orthodox Jews is set to end, which could unravel Netanyahu's coalition [b1397af3]. The Gaza health ministry reports that Israeli airstrikes have hit hospitals, and the fighting has continued in Gaza and beyond Israel's borders [b1397af3]. Netanyahu accuses Palestinian militants of using medical facilities and staff as cover [b1397af3]. The war has also seen strikes near Damascus and in Lebanon [b1397af3].