Kamala Harris: Israel Requires Independent Judiciary

US Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the importance of an independent judiciary for Israel’s democracy during a reception celebrating the country’s 75th anniversary hosted by its embassy in Washington. Her comments come amid controversy over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposed judicial overhaul, which has sparked mass protests in Israel. Harris also reiterated the Biden administration’s commitment to Israel’s security. However, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said Harris may not be fully informed about the details of the proposed changes and that they were intended to ensure a strong and balanced judiciary. Netanyahu has since suspended the overhaul to negotiate a consensus with the opposition. Critics see the proposed changes as a threat to the independence of the courts and Israel’s democratic norms and economic strength.