U.S president Joe Biden – PM Benjamin Netanyahu
In a revelation that underscores the strained dynamics of U.S.-Israel relations amidst the Gaza conflict, President Joe Biden allegedly referred to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on derogatory terms in private discussions, signaling frustration over Israel’s military strategy in Gaza. According to a report by NBC, sources familiar with Biden’s statements have disclosed that he characterized Netanyahu as “the main obstacle” to altering Israel’s military approach in the region, calling him an “asshole” in closed conversations.
These insiders, speaking on the condition of anonymity, portray a President under pressure to mediate a ceasefire, facing staunch resistance from Netanyahu. The Israeli Prime Minister’s stance has reportedly led Biden to express a sense of futility, with one source noting, “He just feels it’s enough. It has to stop.”
Biden’s history with Netanyahu spans decades, yet recent weeks have seen him discuss the Prime Minister with an unexpected candor. Descriptions of Netanyahu as “this guy” and reports of Biden calling him an “idiot” on multiple occasions have emerged, suggesting a deep-seated contempt.
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Despite these claims, the White House’s official stance, as articulated by a National Security Council spokesperson, emphasizes a longstanding respect between the two countries, acknowledging disagreements but underscoring a “respectable relationship.”
The context of these alleged remarks is the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Biden has publicly criticized the severity of Israel’s military response. In a statement highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, Biden called for the cessation of actions leading to civilian suffering, describing the reaction in Gaza as “over the top.”
A recent 45-minute conversation between Biden and Netanyahu—their first in three weeks—was described by an Israeli political official as productive, focusing on key issues like the Rafah crossing, humanitarian aid, and abductees.
However, reports from the Washington Post suggest a growing rift, with Biden and his aides reportedly doubting Netanyahu’s willingness or ability to be a constructive partner in resolving the conflict. This perception marks a potential low point in their interactions since the war’s onset, according to sources familiar with the administration’s internal deliberations.
The unfolding narrative of U.S.-Israel relations during this tumultuous period highlights the challenges of diplomacy amid conflict, with Biden’s private frustrations shedding light on the complexities of international leadership and the quest for peace in the Middle East.
