The White House has expressed disappointment at Israel's passage of a bill aimed at curbing the powers of the country's top court. The Biden administration urged for major changes to be

decided by "consensus," emphasizing that enduring changes in a democracy should have broad support.

White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre released a brief statement shortly after the Israeli Knesset passed the legislation, highlighting that it was unfortunate that the vote occurred with the slimmest possible majority.

President Biden, a lifelong friend of Israel, has both publicly and privately expressed his belief that significant changes in a democracy must be based on a wide consensus. Biden had already expressed reservations about the judicial reform proposal on Sunday, stating that it appeared to be divisive rather than unifying.

Despite the criticism, the Knesset passed the bill with a 64-0 vote, marking the first approved piece of legislation in the government's broader effort to overhaul the Israeli judiciary. Justice Minister Yariv Levin had announced the plan in January, leading to weeks of demonstrations and condemnation across Israeli society.

The issue has strained relations between the Biden administration and Netanyahu's government, although Washington has maintained its commitment to Israel, providing approximately $3.8 billion in unconditional aid annually.

Observers noted that the US criticism is unique as it addresses domestic Israeli policy rather than regional dealings or policies towards the occupied Palestinian territories.

President Biden's hope that Netanyahu would walk away from the proposed overhaul in March was met with a response asserting Israel's sovereignty to make decisions independently of foreign pressures.

Netanyahu's coalition government, comprising far-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, argues that the proposed changes are necessary to achieve a better balance of power in the country. However, protests continue, and the passing of the bill has sparked further tension between the two governments. Photo by israeltourism, Wikimedia commons.