The US President is concerned about the restructuring of the judiciary in Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu confirms that his country will continue to work for democracy in the future.
At a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Joe Biden expressed concern about his government’s approach to a highly controversial judicial restructuring.
Biden reiterated his “concern about fundamental changes to Israel’s democratic system if the broadest possible consensus is not reached,” said a statement from the White House on Wednesday after the meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Upholding democratic values are “at the heart of our partnership, including checks and balances in our systems,” Biden said at the start of the conversation. At the same time, he promised Netanyahu a meeting in Washington later this year.
Critics: Danger to Israel’s democracy
Meanwhile, according to media reports, hundreds of demonstrators gathered again in New York to demonstrate against the restructuring of the judiciary in Israel. In July, the Netanyahu government passed a law to weaken the Supreme Court despite massive resistance, including from the USA.
Critics see the government’s actions as a threat to Israel’s democracy. Netanyahu’s government, however, argues that the court is too powerful in Israel. Negotiations on a compromise so far have been unsuccessful.
During the conversation with Biden, Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would continue to stand up for democracy in the future. “We will continue to uphold the values that our two proud democracies value.” This will never change.
Netanyahu: “Forge peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia”
The visit to the UN General Assembly is Netanyahu’s first visit to the US since returning to office at the end of last year. Observers see the fact that Biden now met with Netanyahu on the sidelines of the UN general debate, but had not previously invited him to Washington, as an expression of the fact that the US President is dissatisfied with the policies of Netanyahu’s right-wing religious government.
During the hour-long conversation, the two also discussed a possible normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Netanyahu said: “I believe that under your leadership, Mr. President, we can forge a historic peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia.” This is something that is “within reach”. According to media reports, there were recent talks between the USA and Saudi Arabia about rapprochement with Israel.
Source: Stern
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