Biden sidesteps public dispute with Netanyahu, despite US concerns

U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the 13th anniversary of passage of the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, at the White House in Washington, U.S. March 23, 2023. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Despite tensions between them, President Joe Biden has so far avoided an acrimonious public confrontation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while trying to make clear he opposes a judicial overhaul that has shaken the close U.S. ally.

In the last three months, Biden and senior members of his team have expressed alarm about Israeli plans for settlement expansion on the West Bank and about violence between Israelis and Palestinians.