US Vice President Kamala Harris yesterday renewed calls for Israel to ensure independence of its judiciary, after major protests against changes pushed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Harris expressed her concern over the proposed reforms that would give the executive branch more power over the appointment and removal of judges, and limit the scope of judicial review.

She said that these changes would undermine the rule of law and democracy in Israel, and urged Netanyahu to respect the separation of powers and the rights of the citizens.

Harris also reaffirmed the US commitment to Israel’s security and the pursuit of peace in the region, and called for dialogue and cooperation between the two allies.