Israel's President Herzog meets with Biden amid growing tensions over Netanyahu's controversial reforms and protests

 Israel's President Isaac Herzog reassured US President Joe Biden of Israel's commitment to democracy during their meeting in the Oval Office. Herzog acknowledged that Israel is going through a challenging and divisive period with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's controversial plans to overhaul the judicial system and ongoing settlement construction in the West Bank.

Netanyahu's government argues that the changes are necessary to rein in the powers of unelected judges, while opponents fear that it will undermine Israel's system of checks and balances. Biden emphasized the strong bond between the US and Israel and expressed concerns over the judicial plan and settlement growth in the West Bank.

In parallel with Herzog's visit, massive protests erupted across Israel against Netanyahu's judicial reforms. Demonstrators blocked highways, staged protests outside the stock exchange and military headquarters, and called for the legislation to be scrapped.

The proposed reforms would reduce the judiciary's ability to strike down government decisions and give the government more influence in judicial appointments. Thousands of protesters voiced their opposition, demanding to protect court independence and prevent authoritarian rule.

The protests, which have been ongoing for months, have raised concerns in the US about Netanyahu's hard-right coalition. As the situation in Israel intensifies, President Herzog's visit to the US aims to find a solution and address the growing tensions.

While Netanyahu has been invited to the US later in the year, the delay in his visit has raised questions about the deteriorating relations between the US and Israel. The US has expressed concerns about Netanyahu's policies and is reassessing its past relations with Israel.

The reform bill has created a deep divide within Israeli society, with various groups, including labor unions, medical associations, and business leaders, opposing the legislation. The situation remains volatile, with the possibility of a general strike looming, which could significantly impact Israel's economy.