US President Joe Biden referred to his complicated relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, implying that the latter is going through a “tough spot” and that the two have had their share of arguments over the years and currently.
During a White House celebration for the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, Biden reminisced about his longstanding friendship with Netanyahu.
He mentioned using the Israeli leader’s moniker to write something on an old picture of the two men.
“I wrote on the top of it, ‘Bibi, I love you, but I don’t agree with a damn thing you had to say.'”
“It’s about the same today,” Biden stated, drawing sporadic applause from the predominantly Jewish crowd. He also mentioned that Israel is going through a “tough spot” and that “I’ve had my differences with some Israeli leadership.”
He did not go into detail about the remaining disagreements between the two leaders; however, in the last several weeks, they have included matters about the treatment of Palestinians and the ongoing fight against Hamas.
For his backing of Israel’s reaction to Hamas’ cross-border raid on October 7, during which the terrorists, according to Israeli estimates, killed 1,200 people and kidnapped 240 more, Biden has faced harsh criticism. Since then, some 100 captives have been let loose.
The Gaza health ministry reports that Israel’s retaliatory attack has resulted in 18,205 deaths and almost 50,000 injuries, prompting harsh criticism from the US government.
Despite his disagreements with the Israeli government, Biden assured the Jewish guests enjoying the holidays at the White House that his “commitment” to the “independent Jewish state is unshakeable.”
He continued: “Folks, were there no Israel, there wouldn’t be a Jew in the world that was safe.”
He pledged to support Israel until Hamas is destroyed, but he also issued a dire warning that public sentiment may turn against Israel’s security.
“Caution is necessary,” stated Biden. “They need to exercise caution. Overnight, the public’s view of the entire planet can change. We must not allow it to occur.
According to Biden, the US will keep trying to liberate the hostages that are still being held in Gaza, respond quickly to provide humanitarian relief to the Palestinian people, and “emphasize to our Israeli friends that we need to protect civilian life.”
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