Biden Urges Israel to Postpone ‘Divisive’ Judicial Reforms

Given the additional difficulties confronting the US partner, President Joe Biden encouraged Israel in a statement on Sunday not to hurry more "divisive" judicial reforms.

It doesn't make sense for Israeli officials to hasten this, Biden said, adding that the emphasis should be on bringing people together and reaching an understanding, according to a statement initially published by news outlet Axios and then shared with AFP by the White House.

The latest judicial reform proposal "seems to be growing more divisive, not less, from the perspective of Israel's friends in the United States," he added.

The contentious plan by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to limit judges' authority might be put to a vote in the Knesset as early as Monday.

The idea sparked conflicting demonstrations over the weekend between proponents and opponents who worry it will threaten Israel's democracy.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin, who spearheaded the reforms, claimed that the measure L presented to legislators on Monday had undergone revisions to appease opponents but noted that the coalition was still amenable to "understandings."

Over the weekend, Netanyahu dealt with a number of difficulties, not the least of which was a trip to the hospital for a pacemaker fitting after being admitted due to alleged dizziness.

His administration, which has far-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish friends, claims that the suggested changes will maintain a fairer balance of power and stop unelected judges from acting excessively.

The 73-year-old Netanyahu is accused of having a conflict of interest by his detractors and some demonstrators have dubbed him the "crime minister." Netanyahu has been facing corruption allegations in court.

Approximately 20 lawmakers have queued up to testify against the measure, which would restrict Supreme Court judges' authority to overturn government decisions they find "unreasonable."

The "reasonability" phrase would be the first significant part of the revision to become law if it were adopted. Other suggested modifications include giving the government more influence over the selection of judges.