Itamar Ben-Gvir (Jewish Force), the Israeli minister of national security, responded on Wednesday morning to US President Joe Biden’s criticism of the Israeli government’s handling of the judicial reform situation.
Israel “cannot continue down this route,” warned Biden on Tuesday, adding that he is “extremely concerned” about the court reforms and will not invite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House soon.
Ben-Gvir responded to Biden’s criticism by asserting that Israel is independent of the United States in an interview with Galei Tzahal on Wednesday morning.
We appreciate the US’s democratic system, but they must realize that Israel is a separate nation, not merely another star on the American flag.
“Countries worldwide need to understand that the people here have elections and voiced their will.”
In response to Biden’s remarks, Likud’s education minister Yoav Kisch told Kan Reshet Bet: “We all respect the US president. He can speak what his view is regarding any problem concerning Israel.”
With all due respect, Israel is a sovereign state that makes its own decisions. American criticism is possible, but our choices are our own.
Netanyahu toned down Biden’s criticism while highlighting Israel’s right to determine its political course.
“I have known President Biden for over 40 years, and I value his dedication to Israel. According to Netanyahu, the unshakable bond that Israel and the US always have triumphs despite our infrequent differences.
He continued, “My administration is committed to strengthening democracy by restoring the appropriate balance between the three branches of government, which we are working to achieve through a broad consensus.
Netanyahu emphasized that “Israel is a sovereign nation that makes decisions based on the desire of its people and not based on pressures from abroad, including from the closest of friends.”
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