President Biden was overheard on a hot mic Thursday evening discussing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, suggesting he needed a serious conversation about the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
The 81-year-old president made this remark about the Israeli leader while chatting with lawmakers after his State of the Union address, asking Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) to keep their conversation confidential.
“I told him, ‘Bibi’ — and don’t repeat this, but [I said] ‘You and I are going to have a come-to-Jesus—’,” Biden started before an aide intervened, exclaiming “Sir!” and whispering in his ear.
Biden (Credits: MSN)
“I’m on a hot mic here,” Biden then remarked, adding sarcastically, “Good. That was good.” It’s unclear whether Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who were nearby, overheard the president’s comment.
Biden’s candid moment with Bennet followed other off-the-cuff remarks after his speech, including a quip to Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) about wishing he was sometimes “cognitively impaired.”
When questioned about the comment on Friday, Biden feigned ignorance, telling reporters he didn’t make such a statement during the speech.
Biden had initially supported Netanyahu’s actions in Gaza, but he has faced criticism, including being called “Genocide Joe” and receiving protest votes in Democratic primaries.
During his State of the Union address, Biden announced plans for the US military to construct a temporary humanitarian pier in Gaza and publicly urged Israeli forces to allow more aid into the area.
Biden stated that while Israel has the right to target Hamas, the group could end the conflict by releasing hostages, surrendering those responsible for attacks, and disarming.
However, Biden also stressed that Israel should ensure the protection of innocent civilians in Gaza and allow humanitarian workers to operate safely.
When asked if Netanyahu needed to do more to allow aid into Gaza, Biden affirmed, “Yes, he does.” Supporters of Israel’s military actions have argued that the country has provided ample aid to Gaza, and any shortages are due to Hamas’s actions, including theft.
