Israeli PM, Biden exchange frosty words over legal overhaul
By JOSEF FEDERMAN
Associated Press
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s prime minister has brushed aside criticism of his judicial overhaul plan from President Joe Biden. Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that the matter was an internal Israeli issue and would not be influenced by outside pressure. It marks a rare bout of public disagreement between the two close allies, and reflects what has been a lukewarm relationship between the Biden administration and Netanyahu’s new government. It also is the latest sign of cooling ties between Israel and the Democratic Party in the U.S. Following especially heavy protests, Netanyahu this week froze the overhaul plan and launched negotiations on a compromise with his political opponents.