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☆ Israeli leaders presented with judicial compromise, president says
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-13 | by ( Maayan Lubell | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Netanyahu's nationalist-religious coalition in January launched a campaign to overhaul Israel's judiciary, sparking unprecedented protests, sending the shekel down and stirring concern among allies for Israel's democratic health. President Isaac Herzog did not provide details of the new compromise proposal, saying only that it provides the basis for immediate understandings that will keep Israel "a stable democracy." Netanyahu says the judicial changes are meant to balance out branches of government by reining in a court that has become too interventionist. Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption charges he denies, has said that he has already scrapped some of the original judicial proposals while he works to reach agreements on reforms. Successive surveys have shown the overhaul to be unpopular among Israelis and Netanyahu's coalition, which won a decisive victory in a November vote, losing an election were it to be held.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu's, Israel, Isaac Herzog, Herzog, Herzog's, Netanyahu, Joe Biden, Maayan Lubell, William Maclean Organizations: Netanyahu's, Israel's, reining, Thomson Locations: JERUSALEM, Israel, Latrun

☆ Israel’s democracy is at a crossroads as its top court debates a law limiting its power. Here’s what to know
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-12 | by ( Hadas Gold | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

“The Supreme Court and the government alike possess a credible nuclear threat against the other side … if both sides are rational actors, they will … disarm themselves. That leaves the Supreme Court as the only check on the executive and legislative branches of government. Striking down a Basic Law would be uncharted territory for the Supreme Court, although it has examined and commented on Basic Laws before. Thousands of military reservists and even some active duty soldiers have vowed not to serve if the judicial overhaul went into effect. Or for the Supreme Court that might say we have a right to demonstrate, the right to strike by our so to speak legal system,” Tomer said.

Persons: Jerusalem CNN —, Benjamin Netanyahu’s, –, Netanyahu, “, ”, Amit Segal, Netanyahu’s, Biden, Israel doesn’t, Esther Hayut, Aryeh Deri, Benjamin Netanyahu's, Ohad, Yariv Levin, Bezalel Smotrich, Itamar Ben Gvir, ” Segal, it’s, Banks, Haim Tomer, Hassan Nasrallah, ‘, ’ ” Tomer, Joe Biden, Tomer, ” Tomer, he’s, Isaac Herzog’s, Isaac Herzog, Benjamin Netanyahu, Ronen Zvulun, Ben Gvir Organizations: Jerusalem CNN, Jerusalem CNN — Israel’s, Israel’s, Supreme, CNN, of Defense, United, National Security, United Nations General Assembly Locations: Jerusalem, Israel, United Kingdom, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, United States, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia

☆ Protests grip Israel ahead of historic Supreme Court session
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-11 | by ( Maayan Lubell | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Forming a sea of blue and white Israeli flags, the protesters chanted "democracy" in a show of support for the Supreme Court, which on Tuesday will convene its entire 15-judge bench for the first time in Israeli history. The judges will hear appeals against a judicial amendment that was passed by Netanyahu's national-religious coalition in July and which sparked uproar for what critics say is an attempt to weaken the court. 'ANARCHY'The appellants in Tuesday's hearing - opposition lawmakers and watchdog groups - say the amendment removes vital democratic checks and balances and invites abuses of power. In its legal response to the petitions, the government has said the Supreme Court has no authority to even review the so-called "reasonableness" amendment to a quasi-constitutional Basic Law, and said the debate could "lead to anarchy". Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption charges he denies, says the judicial changes are meant to balance a Supreme Court that has become too interventionist.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu's, Israel, David Leshem, Netanyahu, Benjamin Netanyahu, Itamar Ben, Gvir, Isaac Herzog, Benny Gantz, Maayan Lubell, Angus MacSwan, Mark Potter Organizations: Supreme, Netanyahu's, reining, Israeli, Jewish, Thomson Locations: JERUSALEM, Jerusalem

☆ Israel president urges leaders to seize moment to end judicial crisis
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Israeli President Isaac Herzog meets with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in her ceremonial offices at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, U.S., July 19, 2023. REUTERS/Nathan Howard/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsJERUSALEM, Sept 5 (Reuters) - Israel's President Isaac Herzog on Tuesday urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his political rivals to reach a compromise that would end the judicial crisis just a week ahead of a crunch court hearing. "There are moments in such a crisis when leadership must seize the rare opportunity in order to reach out and come to an agreement. Justice Minister Yariv Levin, the driving force behind the judicial overhaul, dismissed the reports as "trial balloons", in an interview to Army Radio and said it would be wrong for the Supreme Court to intervene in the judicial legislation. The Supreme Court is set to hear a series of appeals this month by lawmakers and watchdogs that challenge some of the government's judicial measures.

Persons: Isaac Herzog, Kamala Harris, Nathan Howard, Benjamin Netanyahu, Herzog, Netanyahu, Yariv Levin, Maayan Lubell, Alison Williams Organizations: U.S, Eisenhower, REUTERS, Rights, Tuesday, Netanyahu's, Likud, Army Radio, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S

The mayor’s return to New York City from overseas was plagued by mishap. The chair of his “reception committee” was late; his aides violated the health code by boarding the mayor’s ship, the Vulcania, before the ship could be screened for contagion. And reporters — barred from asking questions on political or administrative matters — had the nerve to question the length of the mayor’s journey, which, in an apparent first for a New York City mayor, included a three-day visit to the new nation of Israel. In the 72 years since Mayor Vincent R. Impellitteri’s voyage in 1951, every single New York City mayor would follow his lead, in recognition of a faith-based political reality: New York City is home to the largest population of Jews outside of Israel. Mayor Eric Adams upheld that rite of passage this week, visiting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in a three-day tour highlighted by meetings with Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and its president, Isaac Herzog.

Persons: ”, —, Vincent R, Eric Adams, Benjamin Netanyahu, Isaac Herzog Organizations: New, New York City, York Locations: New York City, New York, Israel, York City, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv

☆ Manchin warns government to step up after Fitch credit rating downgrade
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-03 | by ( Chelsey Cox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) arrives prior to Israeli President Isaac Herzog's address to a joint meeting of Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, July 19, 2023. WASHINGTON — Sen. Joe Manchin on Thursday called on his colleagues to take sorely needed budgetary steps to strengthen the economy after Fitch credit analysts' recent decision to downgrade the United States' long-held foreign issuer default rating. Fitch downgraded the U.S. credit rating from AA+ to AAA on Tuesday, months after having placed the nation's rating on negative watch in May. The credit rating firm cited the U.S. government's lengthy debt ceiling debate, along with the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, in its decision. Manchin's warning comes a day after Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen called the Fitch downgrade decision "entirely unwarranted" based on a "flawed assessment."

Persons: Joe Manchin, Isaac Herzog's, WASHINGTON — Sen, Fitch, Manchin, CNBC's, we're, Janet Yellen Organizations: U.S, Capitol, AAA, U.S . Capitol, West Virginia Democrat Locations: Washington, States

☆ Israel's Netanyahu rules out civil war as mass protests divide country over judicial reform
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-01 | by ( Ruxandra Iordache | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

A woman holds a placard with a photo of Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu as the right wing holds a rally to support the government's judicial overhaul on July 23, 2023 in Tel Aviv, Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the possibility of civil war in his country, which has recently been rattled by protracted mass protests over judicial reforms. Raising the stakes of the judicial changes, Israel lacks a formalized written constitution and instead depends on a set of basic laws. The prime minister dismissed criticism that the legislation was potentially rushed in, saying he continues to seek compromise. "I think it's unfortunate that you've had reservists being lined up for something that involves a political debate," Netanyahu commented.

Persons: Binyamin Netanyahu, Benjamin Netanyahu, Netanyahu, Isaac Herzog, you've, Karine Jean, Pierre, I've, I'm, United Arab Emirates —, Prince Faisal bin Farhan al, Saud, Antony Blinken, Abraham Organizations: NBC, Tel, Reuters, House Press, Saudi, United, United Arab Emirates, kindle, Israel, Saudi Foreign, U.S, NBC News, Abraham Accords Locations: Tel Aviv, Israel, Israeli, Israel's, Jerusalem, U.S, Washington, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Iran, Tehran, Saudi, United Arab

☆ US VP Harris embraces new attack role, draws fresh Republican fire
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-29 | by ( Jarrett Renshaw | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

FILE PHOTO: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris meets with Israeli President Isaac Herzog (not pictured) in her ceremonial offices at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, U.S., July 19, 2023. Biden credits Black voters for his 2020 victory, with exit polls showing he carried 87% of the vote. His campaign accused another Black Republican who criticized the changes, which include teaching that slavery had possible benefits to the enslaved, of being a Harris supporter. Voters wary of the president’s advanced age of 80 are expected to take a much harder look at the vice president. “We are running against Kamala Harris.

Persons: Kamala Harris, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Isaac Herzog, Nathan Howard, Harris, Joe Biden’s, reacquaint Harris, burnish, ’, Biden, Al Sharpton, it’s, DeSantis, Tim Scott, Kamala Harris that’s, Joe Biden, ”, Nikki Hailey, Roe, Wade, Bruce Thompson Organizations: BOSTON, Florida Governor, ”, Eisenhower, REUTERS, Black, National Action Network, Reuters, NBC, Republican, Black Republican, Biden, Fox News, mojo, Democratic National Committee Locations: Iowa, Chicago, Washington , U.S, Boston, United States, –, North Carolina

☆ Israel urges calm amid plans for further protest at judicial overhaul
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-27 | by ( Dan Williams | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

The plans have hit the economy by drawing warnings from credit agencies, triggering foreign investor flight. A Palestinian group aligned with the Islamist movement Hamas said it launched a rocket from the occupied West Bank into Israel in retaliation. Israel has previously acknowledged that were preliminary efforts under way by West Bank fighters to develop a rocket arsenal. Video posted on social media showed scores of other Jews visiting the Jerusalem compound under Israeli police guard. In the latest violence, Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian teenager when clashes erupted during an Israeli army raid in Palestinian city of Qalqiliya, the Palestinian Health Ministry said.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Tisha B'av, Isaac Herzog, Netanyahu, Shikma Bressler, Itamar Ben, Gvir, Ben, Nidal al, Dan Williams, Tom Perry, Robert Birsel, Nick Macfie Organizations: West Bank JERUSALEM, Facebook, West Bank, Police, Palestinian Health Ministry, Thomson Locations: Israel, Jerusalem, West, al, United States, Palestinian, Qalqiliya, Gaza

[1/2] U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S., July 18, 2023. Despite Washington’s longtime status as Israel’s top ally and biggest weapons supplier, Biden appears to have few good options. The White House, in a terse statement, called the Knesset vote "unfortunate" and urged work toward a broad consensus. But U.S. officials have yet to set a date or concur with Israeli statements that they would meet at the White House in September. One White House official said Biden, having known Netanyahu for decades, can be especially blunt with him in private.

Persons: Joe Biden, Isaac Herzog, Evelyn Hockstein, Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden, Netanyahu, It's, Aaron David Miller, Mike Pence, Hugh Hewitt, Israel's, David Makovsky, Obama, Donald Trump, Herzog, Netanyahu’s, Tom Nides, Barack Obama, Miller, Matt Spetalnick, Steve Holland, Simon Lewis, Don Durfee, Grant McCool Organizations: White, REUTERS, WASHINGTON, Israeli, Court, Israel, Democratic, Republican, Biden's Democratic Party, Washington Institute, West Bank, White House, U.S, Carnegie Endowment, International Peace, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, U.S, Israel, derailing, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Washington

☆ Powerful right-wing radicals are testing democratic checks and balance in both Israel and the US
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-25 | by ( Stephen Collinson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

CNN —White House criticism of Israel after its right-wing coalition embarked on a plan to target judicial power is bringing a new kind of turbulence to one of America’s oldest friendships. It shows that Israel, like the United States, is experiencing an era of right-wing politicians seeking to aggressively flex power and test enshrined democratic constraints. The drama is likely to further worsen the long-standing but increasingly brittle relationship between President Joe Biden and Netanyahu. Yet there is deep concern in the White House about the implications of any successful attempt to subvert checks and balances in Israel. And Netanyahu appeared to align himself politically with Trump while he was in the White House.

Persons: CNN —, Israel, Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu’s, Joe Biden, Netanyahu, Donald Trump, Biden’s, ”, shockwaves, Jordan, –, Martin Indyk, “, ” Indyk, Lynda Kinkade, hasn’t, Thomas Friedman, ” Biden’s, Karine Jean, Pierre, Isaac Herzog, ” Aaron David Miller, Isa Soares, don’t, Mitch McConnell, “ Mr, Obama, Trump, Mike Pence, Hugh Hewitt, Ron DeSantis, “ Biden, Pramila Jayapal, didn’t Organizations: CNN, –, White House, Trump, Republicans, Democratic, House, West Bank, Biden, CNN International, “, New York Times, Republican, Israel, -, Republican Party, Netanyahu’s Likud Party, Florida Gov, Congressional, Democrat Locations: Iran, Israel, United States, Washington, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Florida

It is the first major piece of the multi-pronged judicial overhaul plan to get this far in the legislative process. The judicial overhaul is a package of bills that each need to pass three votes in the Knesset. Defending his plans, the prime minister has pointed to countries like the United States, where politicians control which federal judges are appointed and approved. Should the overhaul pass, the changes will be the most extreme shakeup to Israel’s judiciary since its founding in 1948. Its executive, the Bar Council, approved the decision to petition the Supreme Court to cancel the reasonableness law if it passes on Monday, the Bar said.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Netanyahu, Aryeh Deri, Critics, Yoav Gallant, Gallant, Joe Biden, New York Times ’ Thomas Friedman, ” Biden, Friedman, ” Netanyahu, Isaac Herzog –, –, Herzog, ” Organizations: Jerusalem CNN, Sunday, Israeli, Court, Critics, Israel Democracy Institute, Air, New York Times, White, Biden, Israel Bar Association, Bar, Association Locations: Jerusalem, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, United States, Washington

☆ Israel parliament starts vote on limiting supreme court power
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-24 | by ( Maayan Lubell | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Nonetheless, commanding a comfortable majority in parliament, Netanyahu's coalition looked set to win the vote on the bill that limits the Supreme Court's powers to overrule decisions made by governments and ministers. 'DISASTER'[1/10]Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shows Justice Minister Yariv Levin his phone as lawmakers gather at the Knesset plenum to vote on a bill that would limit some Supreme Court power, in Jerusalem July 24, 2023. "If you vote for this bill you will weaken the state of Israel, the people of Israel and the Israel Defence Forces." Justice Minister Yariv Levin who has been driving the changes defended the bill, which would amend a law enabling the Supreme Court to void decisions it deems "unreasonable". Netanyahu's coalition has been determined to push back against what it describes as overreach by a Supreme Court that it says has become too politically interventionist.

Persons: gov't, Netanyahu, Benjamin Netanyahu, Isaac Herzog, Yair Lapid, Yariv Levin, Amir Cohen, We're, Lapid, Levin, Dan Williams, Steven Scheer, Miral Fahmy, Tomasz Janowski Organizations: Monday, Police, Netanyahu's, REUTERS, Israel Defence Forces, Supreme, Thomson Locations: Washington, JERUSALEM, Jerusalem, Israel

☆ White House blasts Israel for passing sweeping judicial changes with 'the slimmest possible majority'
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-24 | by ( Brent D. Griffiths | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The White House expressed concern after Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling coalition jammed through judicial reforms. Biden has made it repeatedly clear that he wants Israel to reach a consensus on an issue that has led to an uproar. "It is unfortunate that the vote today took place with the slimmest possible majority," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement. "As a lifelong friend of Israel, President 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," she said in the statement. The tensions between Biden and Netanyahu come at a time when progressive lawmakers are increasingly skeptical over Israel's rightward push.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu's, Biden, Netanyahu, Joe Biden, Karine Jean, Pierre, Jean, Israel, nudging Netanyahu, Thomas Friedman, Netanyahu's, Yariv Levin, Israel's, Isaac Herzog's Organizations: Service, Israel, New York Times, The Times, Democratic Locations: Israel, Wall, Silicon, Israel's

Long before moving into the White House, President Biden compared the relationship between the United States and Israel to that of close friends. For months, Mr. Biden refused to invite Mr. Netanyahu to Washington, which prevented at least some meetings between lower-level officials. Despite recognizing Israel, Mr. Truman refused to sell the new state offensive arms, as did his two successors. Mr. Biden’s relationship with Mr. Netanyahu has been scratchy going back years. “I don’t think the Jewish American community needs to be overly involved in this,” she said.

Persons: Long, Biden, “, ”, Benjamin Netanyahu’s, Netanyahu, Nathan J, Diament, Isaac Herzog, Robert B, Harry S, Truman, —, Israel —, Israel, Dwight D, Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, George H.W, Bush, State James A, Baker, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Donald J, Trump, Mr, “ Bibi, Biden’s, Netanyahu’s, Kamala Harris, ” —, Eli Cohen, Yair Lapid, Netanyahu “, Satloff, Thomas L, Friedman, Jake Sullivan, “ It’s, ” Mr, Sullivan, Chris Coons, James E, Diana Fersko, Rabbi Fersko Organizations: Israel, Orthodox Union, American Orthodox, Democratic, Washington Institute for Near East, State, State Department, Mr, New York Times, Aspen Security, Republican, Foreign Relations, Jewish, American Jewish, American Locations: United States, Israel, Washington, American, U.S, Egypt, Suez, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Manhattan

Long before moving into the White House, President Biden compared the relationship between the United States and Israel to that of close friends. For months, Mr. Biden refused to invite Mr. Netanyahu to Washington, which prevented at least some meetings between lower-level officials. Despite recognizing Israel, Mr. Truman refused to sell the new state offensive arms, as did his two successors. Mr. Biden urged Mr. Netanyahu “not to rush” his changes and “to seek the broadest possible consensus here.”Aides insist Mr. Biden is not trying to engineer a specific outcome in an ally’s internal politics. “I don’t think the Jewish American community needs to be overly involved in this,” she said.

Persons: Long, Biden, “, ”, Benjamin Netanyahu’s, Netanyahu, Nathan J, Diament, Isaac Herzog, Robert B, Harry S, Truman, —, Israel —, Israel, Dwight D, Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, George H.W, Bush, State James A, Baker, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Donald J, Trump, Mr, “ Bibi, Biden’s, Netanyahu’s, Kamala Harris, ” —, Eli Cohen, Yair Lapid, Netanyahu “, Satloff, Thomas L, Friedman, . Biden, Jake Sullivan, “ It’s, ” Mr, Sullivan, Chris Coons, James E, Diana Fersko, Rabbi Fersko Organizations: Israel, Orthodox Union, American Orthodox, Democratic, Washington Institute for Near East, State, State Department, Mr, New York Times, Aspen Security, Republican, Foreign Relations, Jewish, American Jewish, American Locations: United States, Israel, Washington, American, U.S, Egypt, Suez, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Manhattan

☆ Israel passes law to strip Supreme Court of power to block government decisions, defying months of protests
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-24 | by ( Ivana Kottasová Richard Allen Greene Hadas Gold Amir Tal | Ivana Kottasová | Richard Allen Greene | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

The so-called reasonableness law takes away the Supreme Court’s power to block government decisions by declaring them unreasonable. Saeed Qaq/NurPhoto via Getty Images Protesters from Tel Aviv walk the entrance road to Jerusalem after a four-day march on July 22. Ilan Rosenberg/Reuters Protesters block the main entrance to the Ministry of Defense during a protest in Tel Aviv on July 18. Israel, which has no written constitution and no upper chamber of the parliament, has had a relatively powerful Supreme Court, which supporters of the changes argue is problematic. He has argued that the Supreme Court has become an insular, elitist group that does not represent the Israeli people.

Persons: –, Yair Lapid, Ohad, Ammar Awad, Benjamin Netanyahu, Aryeh Deri, Shas, Ronaldo Schemidt, Mahmoud Illean, Netanyahu, Ronen Zvulun, Hazem Bader, Dar Yaskil, Saeed Qaq, Matan Golan, Menahem Kahana, Ilan Rosenberg, Amir Levy, Jack Guez, Joe Biden, “, Israel, ” Biden, Biden, Thomas Friedman, ”, Maya Alleruzzo, Isaac Herzog Organizations: CNN, Israel Police, Air Force, Israeli, Quality Government, Supreme, AP, Reuters, Getty Images, Protesters, Reuters Protesters, Getty, Ministry of Defense, New York Times, TA, West Bank, Israel Bar Association, Association Locations: Israeli, Jerusalem, Reuters Israeli, AFP, Tel Aviv, Israel, United States

☆ Progressives dish on 'chilling effect' on Israel criticism after uproar over Pramila Jayapal's comments: 'We never do anything constructive on this issue'
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-22 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Rep. Pramila Jayapal's comments on Israel caused an uproar this week in Congress. Even after Jayapal clarified her remarks about Israel, House Democratic leadership issued a statement rebuking her. Separately, 43 House Democrats said in a statement that they were "deeply concerned" about Jayapal's "unacceptable comments." "There's a few issues where any nuance is really discouraged," said another progressive House Democrat who insisted on anonymity to discuss the issue frankly. But Phillips held firm in his belief that it was important to firmly denounce criticism of Israel when it crosses a certain threshold.

Persons: Pramila, Israel, Jayapal, —, Mark Pocan, Alexandria Ocasio, Cortez, Jamaal Bowman, he’s, Leigh Vogel, Bowman, Isaac Herzog, I'm, Ilhan Omar, Minnesota, Rashida, Tlaib, Rashida Tlaib, Dean Phillips, Phillips, Dean Phillips of, Bill Clark, Israel — Organizations: Service, Democratic, Israel, House Democratic, Democrats, Republicans, West Bank, Congressional Progressive Caucus, Democrat, New, New York District, Rep, The Recording Academy, Reps, Dean Phillips of, Jewish Democrat, Michigan Democrats, Palestinian, Jewish, House Democrat, Dean Phillips of Minnesota, Getty, Progressives, Israel Democrats Locations: Israel, Wall, Silicon, Washington, Chicago, Gaza, Wisconsin, Alexandria, Cortez of New York, New York, Westchester County, Congress, Palestine, Michigan, Dean Phillips of Minnesota, Palestinian, Jewish Diaspora, Cortez, Africa

☆ Netanyahu isn’t backing down on judicial overhaul despite pressure from Biden
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-21 | by ( Hadas Gold | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Jerusalem CNN —On Thursday evening, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced a last-minute televised statement by Benjamin Netanyahu. But instead, despite the tens of thousands of protesters, the increase in refusals to serve by military reservists and even a very public and harsh criticism of the judicial overhaul plan by US President Joe Biden, Netanyahu refused to back down. He saved his harshest criticisms for two groups: the demonstrators on the streets and the military reservists who are refusing to serve in protest. “Citizens of Israel, all of the remarks about the destruction of democracy are simply absurd,” Netanyahu said. Should it pass, it will be the first aspect of the judicial overhaul to do so.

Persons: Jerusalem CNN —, Benjamin Netanyahu, Netanyahu, Joe Biden, “, ”, Isaac Herzog, Herzog, Biden, Israel, ” Herzog, New York Times ’ Thomas Friedman, ” Biden, Friedman, ” Netanyahu Organizations: Jerusalem CNN, Prime Minister’s, New York Times, White, ” Locations: Jerusalem, Israel, United States, American, America

☆ Israel's Netanyahu to meet with Turkish President Erdogan in Turkey
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers a statement at the Palmachim Air Force Base near the city of Rishon Lezion, Israel July 5, 2023. REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File PhotoJERUSALEM, July 20 (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on a state visit to Turkey at the end of the month, a statement from the Israeli prime minister's office said on Thursday. Once close regional allies, relations between Israel and Turkey were strained for more than a decade, with Ankara having expelled Israel's ambassador following a 2010 Israeli raid on a ship that led a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza, which killed 10 Turkish citizens. Relations began improving with high-level visits last year including Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Ankara. Reporting by Emily Rose; Editing by Chris Reese and Daniel WallisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Amir Cohen, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Israel's, Isaac Herzog's, Emily Rose, Chris Reese, Daniel Wallis Organizations: Palmachim Air Force Base, REUTERS, Relations, Thomson Locations: Rishon Lezion, Israel, Turkey, Ankara, Gaza

☆ Israeli President Works to Ease Tensions With U.S., Calling Bond ‘Irreplaceable’
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-19 | by ( Karoun Demirjian | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

President Isaac Herzog of Israel used an address to Congress on Wednesday to try to smooth over fresh tensions between his country and the United States, appealing to American lawmakers to continue investing in the “irreplaceable” relationship even as he acknowledged problems at home that have strained that bond. And he elicited applause from both Republicans and Democrats as he lauded the vibrancy of Israel’s democracy and recalled the 75-year alliance with the United States. “We are proud to be the United States’s closest partner and friend,” Mr. Herzog told lawmakers. “When the United States is strong, Israel is stronger. It also appeared aimed at reassuring Israelis, who have taken to the streets by the thousands to protest Mr. Netanyahu’s policies, that the country still values its democratic, pluralistic legacy.

Persons: Isaac Herzog of Israel, Herzog, Abraham, ” Mr, Benjamin Netanyahu’s Organizations: shepherding, Abraham Accords, Republicans, Democrats, Israel Locations: United States, Israel

CNN —Israeli President Isaac Herzog is set to deliver an address to a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday, in what is expected to mark a bipartisan show of support for a top strategic ally in the Middle East. There is widespread support for Israel on both sides of the aisle in Congress, but some House Democrats have said they’ll skip the address, citing concerns about human rights. Jayapal, a Washington state Democrat, said “Israel is a racist state” on Saturday while addressing pro-Palestine protesters who interrupted a panel discussion at the Netroots Nation conference in Chicago. “In May, I became the second Speaker of the US House of Representatives in history to address the Israeli Knesset, and now, it is my privilege to host Israeli President Isaac Herzog for a similar honor. The only other President of Israel to share this distinction is his father – President Chaim Herzog – more than 35 years ago,” McCarthy said in a statement at the time.

Persons: Isaac Herzog, Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries, Herzog “, Pramila Jayapal, ” Jeffries, Katherine Clark, Pete Aguilar, Ted Lieu, “ Israel, who’s, ” Jayapal, “, Joe Biden, Herzog, Kevin McCarthy, McCarthy, Chaim Herzog –, ” McCarthy Organizations: CNN, Israel, Democrats, West Bank, Democratic, ”, Democratic Rep, Congressional Progressive Caucus, Top, Palestine, Netroots, White Locations: California, New York, Israel, Washington, Chicago, Palestine, America

[1/2] Israeli President Isaac Herzog looks on during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, not pictured, in Washington, DC, on October 25, 2022. Stefani Reynolds/Pool via REUTERSWASHINGTON, July 19 (Reuters) - Israeli President Isaac Herzog will address Congress on Wednesday, completing a visit aimed at reassuring the United States that Israel's democracy remains strong despite government attempts to overhaul the country's judicial system. The invitation was extended by the leaders of Congress last year to mark the 75th anniversary of Israel's founding. Biden had held off extending the invitation out of concern over Jewish settlements and the planned judicial overhaul. Proponents of the Israeli government's judicial overhaul say the country's Supreme Court has become too interventionist and that the change will facilitate effective governance.

Persons: Isaac Herzog, Antony Blinken, Stefani Reynolds, Joe Biden, Herzog, Benjamin Netanyahu's, Biden, Chaim Herzog, Herzog's, Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, Jamaal Bowman, Alexandria Ocasio, Cortez, Omar, Isaac Herzog’s, Narendra Modi's, Netanyahu, Barack Obama's, Patricia Zengerle, Don Durfee, Howard Goller Organizations: REUTERS, Israeli, U.S . House, Senate, West Bank, Washington, Twitter, Capitol, —, Indian, Democrats, Republicans, Democratic, White, Thomson Locations: Washington ,, REUTERS WASHINGTON, United States, Israel, Washington, Palestinian, Alexandria, Barack Obama's Iran

☆ Protests Simmer in Israel as Country’s President Prepares to Address Congress
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-19 | by ( Isabel Kershner | More About Isabel Kershner | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Small protests cropped up across Israel on Wednesday, illustrating the broad, grass-roots nature of popular opposition to plans by the government to overhaul the country’s judiciary, drawing in key sectors of the economy, the security establishment and society. Employees of Israel’s vaunted high-tech industry gathered on bridges and at busy junctions. Scores of people set off on a 40-mile trek on foot from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The protests appeared timed to coincide with a planned address to the U.S. Congress by President Isaac Herzog later on Wednesday that would come at a fraught period in the relations between Israel and the United States. On Tuesday, President Biden held a meeting with Mr. Herzog, who serves as Israel’s mostly ceremonial president, at the White House.

Persons: Isaac Herzog, Biden, Herzog Organizations: Doctors, U.S, White Locations: Israel, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, United States

Scores of people set off on a 40-mile trek on foot from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. On Tuesday, President Biden held a meeting with Mr. Herzog, who serves as Israel’s mostly ceremonial president, at the White House. Several lawmakers critical of Israel said they would boycott Mr. Herzog’s speech to Congress to protest the Israeli government’s policies. Some members of the Israeli military reserves have campaigned against the law, and labor unions have threatened general strikes. Scores of protesters were also marching from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, carrying blue-and-white Israeli flags and chanting “De-mo-cra-tya!” — Hebrew for democracy.

Persons: Isaac Herzog, Biden, Herzog, Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, Netanyahu’s, ”, “ Organizations: Doctors, U.S, White, Mr, ”, United States Embassy Locations: Israel, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, United States

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