President Joe Biden is expressing growing dissatisfaction with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Biden, who has had an uneasy relationship with Netanyahu, became enraged after the Israeli prime minister praised Donald Trump as “an outstanding president.”
WASHINGTON — WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden ‘s growing frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to mount, with the Democrat captured on a hot mic saying that he and the Israeli leader will need to have a “come to Jesus meeting.”
The remarks by Biden came as he spoke with Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., on the floor of the House chamber after last night’s State of the Union address.
Bennet congratulates Biden on his leadership and urges him to continue pressing Netanyahu on developing humanitarian issues in the Gaza Strip. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg were also part of the brief discussion.
Biden then responds using Netanyahu’s nickname, saying, “I told him, Bibi, and don’t repeat this, but you and I are going to have a ‘come to Jesus’ meeting.”
A staffer to the president stood nearby and then spoke softly into Biden’s ear, which appeared to notify him that microphone were still on.
“I’m on a hot microphone here,” Biden says after being alerted.
The president on Friday acknowledged the remarks, lightly jabbing at reporters that they were “eavesdropping” on his conversation.
Israel’s siege and offensive tactics have pushed the Palestinians into an abyss of hunger, according to the United Nations. Officials have been warning for months that Israel’s siege and offensive were pushing the Palestinian territory into starvation.
Biden has become more public about his dissatisfaction with the Netanyahu government’s refusal to open more land crossings for critically needed assistance to make its way into the Gaza Strip.
In his remarks on Thursday, he encouraged the Israelis to do more to alleviate the misery as they seek to eliminate Hamas.
“To Israel, I say humanitarian aid must not be a second priority or a bargaining chip,” Biden said.
The president announced in a speech on Thursday that the U.S. Military would assist establish a temporary pier aimed at increasing the amount of aid getting into the region. Last week, the U.S. armed forces began air dropping assistance into Gaza. Two aircraft were utilized to drop the equipment, as well as support personnel.
Biden said the temporary pier, ”will enable a massive increase in humanitarian assistance getting into Gaza.”
