Gantz hospitalized for back surgery

Defense Minister Benny Gantz was admitted to Sheba Medical Center  hospital on Tuesday for spinal surgery. The former chief of staff suffered from a back injury for years, ever since he served as paratroop commander. In recent months, the situation deteriorated necessitating an orthopedic procedure. PM Binyamin Netanyahu called Gantz to wish him a successful recovery. The Kahol Lavan leader will not be present in the Knessset on Wednesday when two critical bills for the survival of the government coalition come up for vote. Later tonight, he hopes to issue guidelines on voting to members of is faction.