Israeli President Isaac Herzog has stated that President Joe Biden's concerns about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's planned overhaul of Israel's courts system should be taken into

account by the Israeli parties seeking a compromise. This statement was made after Herzog's meeting with Biden at the White House.

Herzog's advice to consider Biden's concerns is a rare move by a foreign leader, acknowledging the significant role the United States plays in Israel's internal debates. He emphasized the deep and familial relationship between the two countries and the mutual concern they share for each other's well-being.

The Israeli president highlighted the importance of understanding and respecting Biden's inquiries and interests in regional issues, such as the Iranian threat and Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as internal matters in Israel. He emphasized that Israel's significance on the world stage and its importance to the United States should be considered by all parties in finding common ground and solutions.

Herzog, who will address Congress to mark 75 years of U.S.-Israel relations, is navigating a delicate position. He has criticized Netanyahu's original proposals for potentially leading to civil unrest and offered his assistance in mediating a compromise. However, as a representative of all of Israel, including the government, he is expected to remain above politics.

The planned overhaul of Israel's courts has sparked massive protests, with demonstrators expressing concerns about the potential erosion of judicial independence and the impact on vulnerable populations. Biden's invitation to meet Herzog before Netanyahu indicates his reservations about the direction of the current Israeli government. Tensions have also arisen due to accelerated settlements in the West Bank and the government's alliance with extremist groups.

Despite these tensions, Herzog and Biden focused on ironclad military and security cooperation between their countries during their meeting. They emphasized the strength of their partnership, which has seen significant growth in recent years and achieved new heights. Photo by Υπουργείο Εξωτερικών (Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Wikimedia commons.