2:53 p.m. ET, March 27, 2023
US welcomes delay in Israel's judicial reform efforts
From CNN's Kevin Liptak
U.S. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks at the daily press briefing at the White House in Washington, on Monday, March 27.
(Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)
The White House says it welcomes a delay in advancing Israel's controversial judicial reforms, which have concerned President Joe Biden and US officials.
“We welcome this announcement as an opportunity to create additional time and space for compromise. A compromise is precisely what we have been calling for,” said press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
The US continues to urge Israeli leaders to find a compromise as soon as possible, she said.
“Democratic societies are strengthened by checks and balances, and fundamental changes to a democratic system should be pursued with the broadest possible base of popular support,” Jean-Pierre added.
The US State Department also praised the delay.
Deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel also said that he had “no different assessment to offer" when asked by CNN’s Kylie Atwood if the US was still confident in Netanyahu’s leadership of Israel.
CNN's Michael Conte and Christian Sierra contributed to this report.