Biden shakes hands Benjamin Netanyahu at New York hotel with hundreds of protesters outside

President Joe Biden shook hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New York on Wednesday as hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside to protest Netanyahu’s proposed judicial overhaul.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly this week in New York, as Netanyahu headed in a car toward the president’s hotel, the Intercontinental Barclay.

Across Lexington Avenue, hundreds of Jewish American protesters gathered, waving Israeli flags and making a lot of noise as the controversial rally took place.

In brief remarks at the top of the meeting, with reporters in the room, Biden indicated he planned to bring up the judicial review, which would strip Israel’s Supreme Court of much of its power, leaving Netanyahu’s right-wing government largely unchecked would stay.

“Today we’re going to discuss some tough issues, namely upholding the democratic values ​​at the heart of our partnership,” Biden said. “Incorporating the checks and balances into our systems and securing the path to a negotiated two-state solution and ensuring that Iran never, ever obtains a nuclear weapon.”

A sign with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s face saying “we will not serve a dictator” was held by a demonstrator on Wednesday as hundreds of Jewish-Americans protested the right-wing leader’s judicial review during a meeting with President Joe Biden.

Hundreds of protesters stood across Lexington Avenue from the Intercontinental Barclay Hotel in Manhattan, where President Joe Biden met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday

Biden called America’s commitment to Israel “ironclad” and indicated a White House meeting could take place before January.

“I hope we will see each other in Washington by the end of the year,” the president told Netanyahu.

“You have often heard me say that if there were no Israel, we would have to invent one,” the president said.

“Even if we have some disagreements, my commitment to Israel is rock solid. I think that without Israel there is no Jew in the world who is safe. Israel is essential,” Biden continued.

The president also brought up a so-called “mega deal” with Saudi Arabia, currently under negotiation, that could lead to a normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

“If you and I were talking about normalization with Saudi Arabia 10 years ago, I think we would be looking at each other like, ‘Who’s had something to drink?'” the president joked to Netanyahu.

Netanyahu told Biden that “under your leadership, Mr. President, we can forge a historic peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia.”

A protester holds up a sign depicting Benjamin Netanyahu as the Pharaoh with the message: ‘Let our people go’

A police officer asks demonstrators gathered outside President Joe Biden’s hotel in New York to move as they chant slogans and chant loudly along Lexington Avenue, from where Biden met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Outside, one of Biden’s key allies, Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers, appeared to address the crowd.

A protester holds up a sign reading “In Joe We Trust” as President Joe Biden meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday

A protester holds up a sign reading “Oy Vey” with an image of a cringing Statue of Liberty during a protest outside President Joe Biden’s meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday in New York

“And I believe that such a peace would go a long way in promoting the end of the Arab-Israeli conflict, achieving reconciliation between the Islamic world and the Jewish state, and promoting genuine peace between Israel and the Palestinians,” Netanyahu added.

The Israeli leader also noted that “we live in uncertain times, rapidly changing times.”

“So I just want to emphasize to you again, Mr. President, that one thing is certain, and one thing will never change. And that is Israel’s commitment to democracy,” Netanyahu said. “We will continue to uphold the values ​​that both of our proud democracies cherish.”

Outside, one of Biden’s key allies, Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers, appeared to address the crowd.

“For the Americans who are here, we as Americans must support the Israelis who are fighting for their democracy,” Weingarten said. “As much as we fight for freedom and justice in America. We must fight for freedom, justice and democracy for everyone in Israel.”

“You are my heroes,” the union leader told the crowd, adding that Biden and Netanyahu both needed to hear the demonstrators’ message.

While the rally was going on, a female protester told the crowd that Biden had raised Democratic issues.

“We trust Joe!” she screamed.