Biden warns Israeli leader on judicial changes

Key Facts

President Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call on Sunday that democratic values — including “genuine checks and balances” — had to remain a pillar of the U.S.-Israel relationship, a veiled warning to Netanyahu about his incendiary plan to overhaul the country’s judicial system.
Biden, who has been a staunch supporter of Israel throughout his more than 50 years in politics and has a long-standing relationship with Netanyahu, has carefully warned against the proposals and called for compromise.
The official noted that Ramadan over the past two years has been a time of violent clashes and heightened tensions in the region, saying U.S. officials hoped to de-escalate ahead of the Muslim holy month this year.
Since taking office, Biden, who visited Israel last year, has in some ways kept his distance from Netanyahu and has sought to reestablish America’s traditional position — supporting the Jewish state, but also backing for Palestinian cause and advocating for a two-state solution.