Biden and Netanyahu Seek Middle Ground in Clash Over Democracy and Palestinian Rights

 President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met on Wednesday to discuss a range of issues, including the need to protect checks and balances in a democracy. The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, marked their first encounter since Netanyahu assumed leadership of Israel's far-right government. One of the main points of discussion was Netanyahu's proposed judicial overhaul, which has sparked months of mass protests in Israel. Biden urged the Israeli leader to find a compromise on the plan, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic values.

The issue of Israel's treatment of Palestinians was also raised, with Biden urging Netanyahu to improve conditions in the West Bank amidst heightened violence in the region. Netanyahu reassured Biden that he was seeking a compromise on the judicial overhaul, although critics have accused him of not negotiating in good faith. The Israeli Prime Minister emphasized Israel's commitment to democracy, while Biden acknowledged the tensions between the two leaders' governments and their policies. The meeting between Biden and Netanyahu comes at a time when relations between Israel and the Democratic Party are cooling.

A recent poll showed that Americans are questioning whether Netanyahu's government aligns with American values, with Republicans more likely than Democrats to view Israel as an ally with shared values. The location of the meeting, in a New York hotel room instead of the Oval Office, has been interpreted as a sign of U.S. displeasure with Netanyahu's new government.

However, the Biden administration has downplayed its significance, with Biden expressing hope that they will meet again in Washington by the end of the year. In addition to discussing the judicial overhaul, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a negotiated two-state solution with Palestinians and the prevention of Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. They also discussed U.S. efforts to broker a deal for full diplomatic relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Overall, the meeting between Biden and Netanyahu touched on important issues regarding democracy, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and regional stability. Despite the challenges, both leaders expressed a desire to work towards finding common ground and advancing peace in the region.