White House Reaction to Israeli Parliament Vote: We Support Broader Consensus

Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House spokesperson, reacted on Monday to the approval of proposed reforms by Netanyahu in the Israeli Knesset, stating, "It is unfortunate that today's vote was conducted with the smallest possible majority." According to her, Joe Biden, the President of the United States, has repeatedly stated both publicly and privately as a long-time friend of Israel that the sustainability of major changes in a democratic system requires maximum consensus. Jean-Pierre added, "We know negotiations are ongoing and will likely continue in the coming weeks and months to achieve a broader compromise, even with the Knesset's recess." The White House spokesperson concluded by saying that the United States will continue to support the efforts of Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel, and other leaders in the country to create a broader consensus through political dialogue. The first part of Benjamin Netanyahu's proposed bill to reform the judicial powers of the country was approved by Israeli lawmakers on Monday, July 24. Following the failure of the latest attempts at compromise, the vote in the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, was conducted with a complete boycott by the opposition, but all 64 lawmakers in the coalition led by Netanyahu voted in favor. Also see: The Israeli parliament approved Netanyahu's bill to limit the powers of the Supreme Court. Benjamin Netanyahu participates in the Knesset vote after being discharged from the hospital. Controversial judicial reforms in Israel; Netanyahu from the hospital: I will participate in the vote. Tens of thousands of Israelis protest against the judicial changes bill: It threatens democracy. Israel witnessed the largest anti-government protests against Benjamin Netanyahu. Resumption of the review of "judicial reforms" in Israel; a Hollywood figure testified against Netanyahu.