In a call with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant Tuesday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called for political consensus in Israel over the judicial reform.
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Earlier this week, the Knesset ratified an initial bill aimed at curbing the power of the Supreme Court following months of internal unrest over the proposal and appeals from the US and other countries to hold off and negotiate with the Opposition.
Video: Anti-reform demonstrations outside the Supreme Court
The demonstrations also affected the IDF, with protest leaders citing growing numbers of military reservists who say they would no longer report for duty if the government pressed ahead with its plans.
Former Israeli top brass have warned that Israel's war-readiness, with Arab and Iranian enemies spread across the Middle East, could be at risk.
"Austin underscored the United States' belief that broad consensus through political dialogue, especially in the coming weeks and months, are critical elements of a resilient democracy," a Pentagon readout of the call said.
The readout did not directly address protests by IDF reservists, and Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh declined to say during a news conference whether Austin raised any concerns he might have about impacts on Israeli military readiness in the call.
The White House on Monday called it "unfortunate" that the Knesset ratified part of the contested legislation.
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