Hospital Staff Stage Strike Against Overhaul Bill, Threaten Wider Action

Healthcare staff in Israel staged a two-hour strike and held rallies outside hospitals to protest a legislative push to curb judicial oversight of the government. The Israeli Medical Association (IMA) warned of further action if the legislation, part of a wider plan to overhaul the judiciary, isn't halted. The coalition plans to finalize the contentious bill next week, which would prevent courts from using the test of "reasonableness" in evaluating government decisions. The IMA argues that the legislation will harm the healthcare system and patients' rights. Organizations representing medical residents and nurses also participated in the protests, while some medics in the IDF reserves threatened to refuse duty if the bill advances.