


President Joe Biden mocked reporters in front of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after members of the traveling press corps asked Biden about the future of democracy in Israel.
"Surprised they haven't asked me about the auto strike," Biden told Netanyahu on Wednesday before their meeting on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York City. "They usually ask about things that have nothing to do with what we're talking about."
ANITA DUNN COURTS CONTROVERSY WHILE TAKING CHARGE IN BIDEN'S WHITE HOUSE
In addition to the democracy question, shouted after Israel's Supreme Court convened for the first time this week to consider petitions regarding a legal amendment that would restrict the 15 justices' powers, reporters asked what Palestinian concessions are necessary for Israel to broker a normalization deal with Saudi Arabia. Biden did not respond to the inquiries.
"Today, we're going to discuss some of the hard issues, that is, upholding democratic values that lie at the heart of our partnership, including the checks and balances in our systems and preserving the path to a negotiated two-state solution, and ensuring that Iran never, never acquires a nuclear weapon," Biden said before the questions.
"Even where we have some differences, my commitment to Israel, you know, is ironclad. I think without Israel, there's not a Jew in the world who is secure. Israel is essential," he added.
Biden meeting Netanyahu in New York City was a compromise after the Israeli leader sought a White House sit-down despite monthslong protests over his court reforms.
"I hope we will see each other in Washington by the end of the year," Biden said.
For his part, Netanyahu recognized that "we live in uncertain times, rapidly changing times" as Israel commemorates its 75th anniversary.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
"I want to reassert here before you, Mr. President, that one thing is certain, and one thing will never change, and that is Israel's commitment to democracy," he said. "We will continue to uphold the values that both our proud democracies cherish."
United Auto Workers started striking last Friday over its union contract dispute with the Detroit-based automaker companies General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis.