President Biden has surprised many by extending an invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit the White House. This decision has ignited intense debates within the Democratic Party regarding the U.S.-Israel alliance and Netanyahu’s proposed judicial overhaul plan. While some Democrats have voiced criticism of Israel, accusing it of being a “racist state,” others are determined to maintain a solid relationship with the country.
The specifics of the meeting are still being worked out, but it is expected to occur before the year’s end. John Kirby, the strategic communications director at the National Security Council, confirmed that Biden and Netanyahu spoke by phone to discuss the forthcoming visit. This move comes as a surprise, considering Biden’s previous statement expressing concerns about Netanyahu’s judicial plan and indicating that a meeting was not on the agenda.
Netanyahu’s proposed judicial overhaul plan has been a source of contention, with critics arguing that it would lead to an authoritarian state under his rule. However, the prime minister defends the plan, asserting that it aims to restore power to elected leaders that has been eroded by ambitious judges. Despite their differences, Netanyahu and Biden have engaged in discussions to find common ground and reach a broad consensus.
The debate within the Democratic Party escalated when Representative Pramila Jayapal, a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, referred to Israel as a “racist state.” Although she later clarified her comments, she continued to accuse Netanyahu’s administration of racism. These remarks have faced criticism from fellow Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, who released a joint statement asserting that Israel is not a racist state.
President Biden is scheduled to meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog during his visit to Washington, D.C. Netanyahu has expressed appreciation for Biden’s support, highlighting their longstanding friendship and shared commitment to Israel’s security. In a statement released after the phone call between Biden and Netanyahu, the White House reiterated the President’s unwavering dedication to Israel’s security and condemned recent acts of terror against Israeli citizens.
As the details of the meeting between Biden and Netanyahu continue to unfold, the Democratic Party faces the challenge of reconciling their divergent views on the U.S.-Israel alliance. The internal debates underscore the complexities that Democrats must navigate as they strive to balance the concerns of their progressive base with the need to maintain a robust relationship with a crucial ally.
Source Fox News