White House Remains Concerned About Situation In Israel

Comments from White House National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby hitting wires on the latest developments in the Israeli domestic political crisis.

• Kirby says President Biden shared his concerns directly and was "very forthright" with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
• Kirby confirms that Israel remains invited to this week's Summit for Democracy despite accusations that Netanyahu's reform agenda may undermine democratic institutions in Israel.
• According to Reuters, Kirby says that the US remains concerns about the situation in Israel but is not concerned that the protests will push the country into civil war.
• The White House has been unusually sharp in communications on the Israeli situation recently. White House spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement yesterday: "We are deeply concerned by today’s developments out of Israel... democratic values have always been, and must remain, a hallmark of the U.S.-Israel relationship.”
• Watson continued: “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. We continue to strongly urge Israeli leaders to find a compromise as soon as possible."