Vice President Kamala Harris speaking at an event (The White House)
The Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris is now at the center of Israel’s ongoing political turmoil over the controversial judicial reforms planned by the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Foreign Minister of Israel, Eli Cohen, slammed Kamala Harris for her comments about Israel that he believes were intended to interfere with the country’s domestic affairs.
Kamala Harris referenced the whole judicial reform in Israel imbroglio when she spoke Tuesday night at an event hosted by Israel’s embassy in Washington celebrating the country’s 75th anniversary.
Eli Cohen, in an interview with Israel’s Kan News, had a sharp reply to Kamala Harris’ comments.
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“I answer her [statements] with the following – I also support an independent and strong judicial system, but not all-powerful,” he said. The statement “all powerful” was in reference to his political blocks complaint that the Israel Supreme Court has taken upon itself powers not seen in any other democracy. This is at the corps of his government’s reform plan – the claim that the plan will restore democratic balance in Israel that was disrupted by the courts.
Cohen went on to repeat his party’s line about the matter, explaining how in the U.S. Supreme Court justices do not have the power of veto over their replacements replaces saying, “a legal reform is required that will strengthen public trust, and we are striving for that. “
“By the way,” he added, “I would like to say that my principles are these – the coalition alone should not appoint the judges, on the other hand the judges should not have the right of veto. I think we and the Americans see things eye to eye.”
Cohen went on to say that Kamala Harris probably could not even explain why she opposes the reform plan, nor site any specific aspect of it.
So, what did Kamala Harris say to get Eli Cohen so miffed?
Well, the Vice President said, “America will continue to stand for the values that have been the bedrock of the US-Israel relationship, which includes continuing to strengthen our democracies, which as the [Israeli] ambassador has said, are both built on strong institutions, checks and balances, and I’ll add, an independent judiciary.”
It was her saying “I’ll add, an independent judiciary” in that way that made it seem that Kamala Harris was attacking the Netanyahu government’s reform plan.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides – who will be stepping sown this summer – came to the Vice President’s defense telling Israel’s Channel 12 news, “I have respect for FM Cohen, but the VP said things the administration says [at] every opportunity regarding the shared values and policies. Harris is a strong supporter of Israel.”
