US President Joe Biden says Israel «cannot continue» with its controversial legal overhaul — with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responding, saying he will not be pressured by foreign governments, «including from the best of friends».
US President Joe Biden has openly criticised Israel’s controversial judicial reforms and told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to «walk away» from them.
Speaking to reporters in the US, before boarding Air Force One, he addressed the recent crisis on the streets of Israel over the move that would give the government greater control over Supreme Court appointments.
«Like many strong supporters of Israel, I’m very concerned. And I’m concerned that they get this straight. They cannot continue down this road. And I’ve sort of made that clear,» he said.
«Hopefully the prime minister will act in a way that he can try to work out some genuine compromise, but that remains to be seen.»
Asked if Mr Netanyahu would be visiting The White House soon, Mr Biden replied sharply: «No. Not in the near term.»
The US president and Israeli prime minister have spoken privately over the phone to discuss the crisis, but this was the first time Mr Biden was openly critical of the Israeli leader.
