Thomas Friedman, New York Times foreign affairs Op-Ed columnist, received the first reaction of US President Joe Biden to the judicial reform planned by the Netanyahu government in Israel. “The genius of American democracy and Israeli democracy is that they are both built on strong institutions, on checks and balances, on an independent judiciary", Biden wrote. "Building consensus for fundamental changes is really important to ensure that the people buy into them so they can be sustained”, the President added. "This is the first time I can recall a U.S. president has ever weighed in on an internal Israeli debate about the very character of the country’s democracy", Friedman wrote, "And although it’s only 46 words, Biden’s statement comes at a crucial time in this wrenching Israeli internal discussion". Related articles: House probes US funding to groups tied to Israel protests 'Race to the bottom' is breaking records for hilarity Opposition MKs appeal changes to Judicial Selection Committee Knesset passes bill to change composition of key committee
