Israel harshly criticized Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris Wednesday for seemingly taking a snipe at the judicial reform during a celebration in honor of Israel's 75th independence at the country's embassy in Washington.
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Speaking at a reception, Harris said, "America will continue to stand for the values that have been the bedrock of the US-Israel relationship, which includes continuing to strengthen our democracies, which ... are both built on strong institutions, checks, and balances, and I'll add: an independent judiciary."
Video: Reuters
The event was attended, among others, by the head of the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee Simcha Rothman, one of the main driving forces behind the controversial legislation.
I have deep respect for our ally the United States of America and for Vice President Harris, a true friend of Israel.
Israel's legal reform is an internal issue that is currently in the process of consolidation and dialogue.
The State of Israel will continue to be democratic…— אלי כהן | Eli Cohen (@elicoh1) June 7, 2023
Foreign Minister Eli Cohen criticized Harris, saying "I believe that she didn't even read it. If you ask her what about the reform troubles her, she wouldn't be able to name one clause. I have heard such comments in places I've visited, and I asked, 'What exactly bothers you?' No one could put their finger on it.
"It's not criticism; those who [cherish] the values of democracy more than anyone are the right wing and the Likud. Most of the public wants judicial reform. And most of the public wants a broad agreement. Public trust in the judicial system has deteriorated, and the reform will restore trust and create heterogeneity in the judicial system."
Cohen later appeared to walk back some of the remarks, issuing a reconciliatory tweet.
"I have deep respect for our ally the United States of America and for Vice President Harris, a true friend of Israel," he wrote. "Israel's legal reform is an internal issue that is currently in the process of consolidation and dialogue. The State of Israel will continue to be democratic and liberal, as it has always been."
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