Tensions over judicial reform between the US and Israel

In Israel, the far-right government’s controversial “judicial reform” initiative is also straining US-Israeli relations.

According to the news in the newspaper Haaretz, US Vice President Kamala Harris pointed out the discomfort she feels about the judicial reform in the speech she gave at the ceremony held at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, on the occasion of Israel’s independence day. “Washington will continue to uphold the values ​​that underpin US-Israel relations, including strengthening our democracies,” said Ella Harris. Both countries are based on solid institutions, balances and procedures. I will add to this the independent judiciary,” she said.

Subsequently, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen attacked Harris in a statement to the Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation (KAN). Cohen, arguing that Harris has never read Israeli law, said: “If you ask him what bothers him about the reform, he can’t say anything that bothers him. I’ve heard similar comments everywhere I’ve been. When I ask them ‘what exactly is bothering you’, no one can give an answer. The right and the Likud are the ones that most embrace democratic values,” he said.

Thomas Nides, the US ambassador to Israel, also told KAN in response to Cohen: “I respect Minister Cohen, but the vice president has said at every opportunity what the administration has said about shared values ​​and policies. “Harris is a strong supporter of Israel,” he said.

Cohen then tried to soften his comments about Harris by posting to his Twitter account, without diminishing his support for judicial reform. “I have deep respect for our ally the United States and true friend of Israel, Vice President Harris. The process of legal reform, dialogue and consolidation in Israel is an ongoing internal matter.” he made the statement.

DEFERRED JURISDICTION IN ISRAEL

The judicial reform, announced by Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin on January 5, includes changes such as limiting the powers of the Supreme Court and the power to have a say in judicial appointments.

On March 27, Netanyahu announced that he would postpone the judicial settlement, which has sparked growing protests and mass strikes across the country.

The Israeli government approved the Parliament’s 2023-2024 budget on May 24. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the government will “continue” with the controversial judicial regulation after the budget session in Parliament is completed. (AA)