On the recordMarch 29, 2023
As President Biden recently said: The genius of Israel and America's democracy is they are both built on strong institutions, on checks and balances, and on an independent judiciary. Israel's checks and balances, its independent judiciary, faced an attack from its own, Prime Minister Netanyahu. He tried to implement so-called reforms that would turn Israel's courts into nothing more than an enforcement tool for his policies. By undermining the independent judiciary and disregarding the rule of law, sadly, Israel's own Prime Minister threatens the very foundation on which Israel's democracy depends. Israel must remain a democracy that protects and lifts all of its citizens, Israeli and Palestinian. We all want to see a safe and successful Israel. To be pro-Israel means always to be pro-democracy. I celebrate the estimated more than 600,000 Israeli protesters who knew they needed to stand up for their Nation, for their democracy, who took to the streets against the blatant disregard for institutions, checks and balances, and an independent judiciary. I applaud their bravery that made it clear they will not tolerate the undercutting of their judicial system, compromising their military readiness, and moving their country in the direction of authoritarianism. For its future, its safety, and security, for those who love her, Israelis and Palestinians alike, Israel must not abandon that genius of democracy, just as America cannot. High Hopes for the Phillies
