WASHINGTON: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday that he plans to speak with Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis when he visits Israel this week.
DeSantis is visiting Japan, South Korea, Israel, and the United Kingdom. The visit to Israel coincides with demonstrations over Netanyahu’s efforts to tighten control over the country’s Supreme Court.
When asked if he would meet with DeSantis, Netanyahu responded, “Of course, I’ll meet with everyone.” So why not? I’ll visit with both Republican and Democratic governors.”
A request for response from DeSantis’ office was not immediately returned.
Former President Donald Trump, a Republican running for re-election in November 2022, received the support of many Republican lawmakers in Florida this week. The endorsements come as a setback for DeSantis, who has yet to launch his campaign.
During a visit to Jerusalem in 2019, DeSantis spoke with Netanyahu and referred to Florida as “the most pro-Israel state in the nation.”
After strikes and large protests, Netanyahu’s ambitions for judicial reform were halted last month. The plans would give the government effective control over Supreme Court nominees and allow parliament to overturn many of the court’s decisions.
When questioned on CBS why he would not cancel the planned reforms, Netanyahu stated that there was a “broad consensus” in Israel to overhaul the court system.
“I’ve actually said that I will not accept the parliament’s blanket ability to overturn judicial Supreme Court decisions, just as we don’t accept the Supreme Court’s ability to overturn any decision by the parliament or the government,” he said.
