National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby tries to play down the tension that emerged this week after President Joe Biden said he will not invite PM Netanyahu to Washington soon.
"As the president recently discussed with Prime Minister Netanyahu, democratic values have always been, and must remain, a hallmark of the US-Israel relationship," NSC spokeswoman says. "Democratic societies are strengthened by checks and balances, and fundamental changes to a democratic system should be pursued with the broadest possible base of popular support."
Readouts of the meeting from both sides said the men also discussed strengthening the relationship between Britain and Israel, and the security and defense challenges they share, including the threat posed by Iran.
Israeli youth trips to Holocaust sites will resume although Polish Foreign Ministry says that there is still no decision about the naming of a new ambassador to Israel.
"Shame on you," Israeli envoy Erdan says, "that you dare condemn the words of an Israeli minister ... while your president ... regularly incites terrorism and actively attempts to rewrite facts and the truth by erasing Jewish history."
Netanyahu's office issues clarification after State Department spokesperson warns Knesset's passage of bill to allow restoration of communities that were part of the 2005 Disengagement Plan hurts prospects of calm. US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman conveyed Washington’s concern in a meeting with Israeli Ambassador to the US Michael Herzog.
A senior administration official described the call as “candid and constructive," as Israelis continue to protest for 11th week.
“As close friends of Israel with shared democratic values, we are following this debate very closely, and I cannot hide the fact that we’re following it with great concern,” the German leader said at a news conference alongside Netanyahu. “The independence of the judiciary is a precious democratic asset. We agree on that.”
Commentators have speculated that the lack of an announcement on an invitation could signal disagreement over the policies of the prime minister's right-wing government.
"There is now a participation of Eni in our gas projects, but we think we can carry it to a much higher level," PM tells his counterpart in Rome. He added that Italian and Israeli ministers would meet in Israel in the coming months for bilateral talks.