90,000 worshippers visit Al-Aqsa

US Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (Thursday) joined the growing chorus of Republican politicians who criticized US President Joe Biden this week for his response to the controversy in Israel over the government's planned judicial reforms. “Prime Minister Netanyahu is an Israeli patriot, statesman, and most importantly, a great friend of the United States of America. Free societies have vigorous and open debate. Israel is no exception. I support Prime Minister Netanyahu, and America’s support for Israel’s strong, vibrant democracy is unwavering. Now is an important time for Americans to stand together in support of our long, mutually respectful, and important friendship with Israel,” McCarthy said. Yesterday (Wednesday), former US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley and Senator Ted Cruz accused Biden of unduly involving himself in a domestic Israeli political issue. Haley, a prospective candidate for the 2024 US Presidential election, wrote: "It’s outrageous for Joe Biden to lecture Israel on a matter that is entirely their domestic concern. We would never want the Israeli government to push America on issues surrounding our Supreme Court, and they wouldn’t do it. We should let Israelis decide this themselves." Related articles: George Santos likely to face House Ethics Committee probe House to vote on removal of Omar from Foreign Affairs Committee House to vote on Omar's removal from Foreign Affairs Committee McCarthy's bid to block Omar from House committee hits snag Senator Cruz wrote on Twitter: "Utterly disgraceful. Biden gleefully hosts anti-American radicals like Lula, while shunning close American allies like Netanyahu. It's clear that Biden and his officials are high from funding what they believe to be successful anti-government protests in Israel." These Republican figures responded to comments Biden made on Tuesday on the judicial reform issue. “Like many strong supporters of Israel, I'm very concerned. I'm concerned that they get this straight. They cannot continue down this road. I've sort of made that clear," Biden said.