Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, 73, was released from the hospital on Monday morning after undergoing an emergency heart procedure. The timing of his hospitalization coincided with rival rallies taking place ahead of a crucial vote on the government's judicial overhaul plan. This vote is expected to approve the first major legislation in the contentious plan, which seeks to make sweeping changes to the powers of the judiciary.

The proposed overhaul includes limiting the Israeli Supreme Court's ability to challenge parliamentary decisions and altering the process of selecting judges. Netanyahu and his allies argue that these changes are necessary to prevent unelected judges from having excessive power. However, opponents of the plan fear that it will undermine the country's system of checks and balances and push Israel towards authoritarianism.

As Netanyahu prepared for the vote, he expressed his willingness to seek a compromise with his opponents. "I want you to know that tomorrow morning I'm joining my colleagues at the Knesset," he stated on Sunday. Despite his attempts at reconciliation, tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in rival rallies. Supporters of Netanyahu marched on Jerusalem, while opponents gathered at the Knesset.

The protests were tense, with reports of road blockades and clashes between demonstrators and police. Water cannons were used to disperse the crowds, and there were calls for urgent action to prevent what protesters described as the destruction of Israel. The plan has already faced significant opposition, with seven months of protests, criticism from business and medical leaders, and even military reservists vowing to stop reporting for duty if the legislation is passed.

International pressure has also been mounting, with U.S. President Joe Biden urging Netanyahu to halt the plan. Israel's ceremonial president, Isaac Herzog, who recently returned from a diplomatic trip, has been attempting to mediate between the prime minister and his opponents. Herzog emphasized the urgent need for an agreement, stating, "This is a time of emergency."

The vote on the key part of the judicial overhaul plan is scheduled to take place in parliament the day after the mass rallies. The outcome of this vote will have significant implications for the powers of the judiciary and the future direction of Israel's governance.