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During an unguarded moment captured on a hot microphone Thursday evening, President Biden remarked that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu required a frank discussion regarding the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
The President, aged 81, made this comment while chatting with lawmakers after his State of the Union address, urging Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) to keep their conversation private. An aide intervened to prevent Biden from elaborating further, reminding him of the open microphone.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg were nearby, though it’s unclear if they heard the remark.
Biden’s candid remarks continued after the speech, with him jokingly expressing his wish for cognitive impairment when praised for his mental acuity. When questioned about his comments the next day, Biden attempted to brush them off, suggesting ignorance of the incident.
Despite initially supporting Netanyahu’s actions in Gaza, Biden has faced criticism and protest votes within his own party. He has become increasingly critical of Netanyahu’s handling of the situation, emphasizing the need for humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
Biden called on Israel to ensure aid reaches Gaza and urged Netanyahu to prioritize protecting innocent lives. When asked about Netanyahu’s role in facilitating aid, Biden affirmed that more action was necessary.
Meanwhile, supporters of Israel’s military efforts argue that aid shortages result from Hamas’s actions, leaving Palestinian civilians to suffer.
