WASHINGTON, December 11 – U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday indicated the complex relationship he has with Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, suggesting the prime minister is in a “tough spot” and that the two have disagreements, at present.
At a White House celebration for the Jewish Hanukkah festival, Biden recalled decades-long relations with Netanyahu.
He mentioned looking at an old photo inscribed with a nickname for the Israeli leader.
“I wrote on top of it, ‘Bibi, I love you but I disagree with anything you said.'”
“It’s about the same today,” Biden said, with sporadic applause from the mostly Jewish audience, adding that Israel is in a “tough spot,” and “I have had disagreements with some Israeli leadership.”
He did not detail the remaining differences between the two men, although in recent weeks they have included issues related to the ongoing war against Hamas and the treatment of Palestinians.
Biden faced intense criticism for supporting Israel’s response to Hamas’ October 7 cross-border attack when the militants killed 1,200 people and took 240 hostages, according to Israeli figures. About 100 hostages have been released since.
Israel’s retaliatory attack has killed 18,205 people and injured nearly 50,000, according to Gaza’s health ministry, drawing sharp criticism within the United States.
Addressing Jewish people celebrating the holiday at the White House, Biden said, “Despite differences with Israeli leadership, my ‘commitment’ to the ‘independent Jewish state is unwavering.'”
He added, “Folks, if there were no Israel, then no Jew in the world would be safe.”
He said support for Israel would continue until Hamas is eradicated but cautioned that public opinion could drastically shift against Israel’s security.
Biden appears to highlight the importance of being mindful of actions and decisions, especially in international affairs, as they can swiftly influence public opinion worldwide. It reflects a recognition of the potential ramifications and consequences that actions may have on how the world perceives certain events, policies, or stances taken by leaders and nations.
Biden said the United States would continue efforts to free hostages still held in Gaza, expedite humanitarian aid to Palestinians, and “emphasize to our Israeli friends the need to protect civilian lives.”
Jeff Mason and Trevor Hunnicutt reported; Editing by Michael Perry”
