From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Biden told Herzog reaching compromise on judicial shakeup is vital
Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
US President Joe Biden told Isaac Herzog during their Tuesday meeting that reaching a compromise on the country’s judicial shakeup is vital, The Times of Israel has learned.
He also said that the noise around the issue makes it harder to make progress in regional peace. Herzog responded that he is working to find common ground and that he believes in negotiations.
Turning to Iran, Biden stressed that coordination is crucial against Iran, and that he is following developments in Iran and Lebanon closely. On terrorism, Biden underscored that Israel has a right to defend itself, but expressed concern over vigilante attacks by Israelis.
They also discussed Saudi Arabia, saying that normalization was a key priority.
Biden also said his phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was warm and constructive.
The private Biden-Herzog meeting lasted 40 minutes, followed by a half-hour meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. Biden showed off the presidential medal he received from Herzog in Jerusalem last July, and Herzog told the attendees he felt like he was with family. Biden emphasized his love for the Israeli people, and reiterated that Israel was the guarantee of security for the Jewish people.
The sides also discussed Israel’s desire to be accepted into the US Visa Waiver Program, noting that there was progress and that they expect to reach a conclusion soon.
