US urges Israeli leaders to find compromise on judicial reform

Published: JULY 24, 2023 23:20

Updated: JULY 25, 2023 14:36

US PRESIDENT Joe Biden delivers remarks at Vilnius University during the NATO leaders’ summit in Lithuania, earlier this month (photo credit: YVES HERMAN/REUTERS) — US PRESIDENT Joe Biden delivers remarks at Vilnius University during the NATO leaders’ summit in Lithuania, earlier this month

(photo credit: YVES HERMAN/REUTERS)

The law limiting the courts' use of "reasonableness" to overturn executive decisions passed with 64 in favor and none opposed, with the opposition boycotting the vote.

The White House spoke out against the passage of part of the government's judicial reform plan on Monday.

"As a lifelong friend of Israel, President [Joe] Biden has publicly and privately expressed his views that major changes in a democracy to be enduring must have as broad a consensus as possible," a statement from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre read. "It is unfortunate that the vote today took place with the slimmest possible majority."

In fact, the law limiting the courts' use of "reasonableness" to overturn executive decisions passed with 64 in favor and none opposed, with the opposition boycotting the vote.

The White House added that it understands "talks are ongoing and likely to continue over the coming weeks and months to forge a broader compromise even with the Knesset in recess," and expressed support for President Isaac Herzog's efforts in that vein.

Jewish Federations of North America express pain over Israeli polarization

The Jewish Federations of North America issued the following response after the Knesset vote on the Reasonableness Law on Monday:

Israeli lawmakers take a selfie in the Knesset plenum following a vote on a bill that would limit some Supreme Court power, in Jerusalem July 24, 2023. (credit: AMIR COHEN/REUTERS)

“The Jewish Federations of North America are deeply pained over the growing polarization we have witnessed in Israeli society as a result of the judicial reform process. We are also extremely disappointed that the leaders of the coalition moved ahead with a major element of the reforms without a process of consensus, despite the serious disagreements across Israeli society and the efforts of President Herzog to arrive at a compromise."

"Our everlasting love for and commitment to the Jewish State and people of Israel transcend any policy or government action. It is clear that the work of building our Jewish State continues, and the Jewish Federation system renews and affirms its commitment to this work. We will continue to support the organizations and individuals who are helping to unite Israelis and to build the institutions of civil society that will allow the diverse populations of Israel and global Jewry to live together in peace and harmony and to resolve our differences respectfully."

"We urge the coalition leaders to suspend any further unilateral changes to the judicial reforms, and urge all parties to return to negotiations under the auspices of President Herzog.”