President Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are experiencing a strained relationship as they navigate a domestic issue within Israel. The issue revolves around Netanyahu’s push to limit the power of the judiciary, which has sparked widespread protests and caution from Biden. This disagreement is unique because it does not involve the typical foreign policy and national security matters that often strain US-Israel relations.
The rift between the two leaders has caused complications in their cooperation on other common interests. Biden initially refused to invite Netanyahu to Washington, preventing some meetings between lower-level officials. However, Biden recently relented and agreed to meet with Netanyahu this year, while also making it clear that he remains opposed to the judicial reforms.
The debate over Netanyahu’s plan has not only affected relations between the US and Israel but has also spread to the Jewish community in the US. Rising partisanship has threatened American support for Israel, with left-leaning individuals expressing more concern over the reforms than those on the right. However, advocates and analysts are confident that the US-Israel relationship will endure.
While the current dispute is significant within Israel, it is not expected to profoundly affect US-Israel relations. Previous US presidents have had disagreements with Israeli prime ministers on various issues, but the relationship has remained intact. Despite the challenges, the US and Israel have maintained one of the most intimate partnerships in the world since Israel’s founding.
Biden’s relationship with Netanyahu has had its ups and downs. Biden has been critical of Netanyahu’s policies in the past, but the two leaders have still maintained a friendship. Biden’s approach to Israel differs from his predecessors, as he has not actively pursued peace talks and has instead focused on reaffirming support for a two-state solution.
The judicial changes proposed by Netanyahu have become the latest point of contention. Biden does not support the reform package and has urged Netanyahu to seek consensus. While some criticize Biden’s intervention in a domestic issue, Democrats argue that it is appropriate for the US to express its concerns to a friend.
Overall, despite the current disagreements, experts remain confident that the US-Israel relationship will endure. The bond between the two countries is built on shared democratic values and a long history of collaboration. Both leaders will need to navigate their differences to maintain this important partnership.