US President Joe Biden asked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday for a compromise on the controversial reform of the justice system in Israel, according to a White House statement cited by AFP.

In a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of Israel, Joe Biden emphasized in his first public position regarding this file that the reform must respect fundamental democratic values, the American presidency clarified.

Democratic principles are the “brand” of relations between the US and Israel, President Biden reminded. He “offered his support for ongoing efforts to find a compromise … in accordance with these fundamental principles,” the statement said.

“Democratic societies are strengthened by authentic mechanisms of control,” and any meaningful change must have the “broadest support of the people,” Joe Biden told Benjamin Netanyahu.

The justice reform in Israel, announced in early January, provides for the introduction of a “repeal” clause, which allows the parliament to overturn the Supreme Court’s decision by a simple majority vote. It is aimed at strengthening the power of parliamentarians over magistrates.

Critics believe the reform threatens the democratic nature of the state of Israel and could help overturn the possible conviction of Prime Minister Netanyahu, who has been tried for corruption in several cases.

Israel’s prime minister and his allies, however, believe the reform is necessary to restore the balance of power between elected officials and the Supreme Court, which they see as politicized. Several provisions have already been adopted in the first reading in the parliament.

Thousands of protesters took to the streets Saturday for the 11th consecutive week to denounce the bill.

President Isaac Herzog presented a compromise draft on Wednesday that was accepted by opposition party leaders but immediately rejected by the ruling coalition