During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Joe Biden expressed concern about his administration’s approach to a highly controversial judicial restructuring. Biden reiterated his “concerns about fundamental changes in Israel’s democratic system if the broadest possible consensus is not reached,” according to a White House statement on Wednesday after the meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Upholding democratic values is “at the core of our partnership, including checks and balances in our systems,” Biden said at the start of the call. At the same time, he promised Netanyahu a meeting in Washington later this year.
Hundreds of protesters in New York
Meanwhile, according to media reports, hundreds of demonstrators gathered again in New York to demonstrate against the restructuring of Israel’s judiciary. In July, the Netanyahu government passed a law to weaken the Supreme Court, despite massive opposition, including from the US. Critics see the government’s actions as a threat to Israeli democracy. However, Netanyahu’s government argues that the court is too powerful in Israel. Negotiations for a compromise have so far 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 hold.” This will never change.
The visit to the UN General Assembly is Netanyahu’s first visit to the US since he returned to power late last year. Observers see the fact that Biden now met Netanyahu on the sidelines of the UN general debate, but had not previously invited him to Washington, as an expression of the US president’s dissatisfaction 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 US and Saudi Arabia on rapprochement with Israel. (sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
