President Joe Biden was caught on a hot mic after his State of the Union address, revealing his frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the need for a “come to Jesus meeting.” The candid remark, overheard during a conversation with U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., highlights Biden’s growing impatience with Netanyahu amid Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas.
As Biden mingled with supporters in the Capitol after his speech, he shared with Bennet his plans for a tough conversation with Netanyahu regarding the urgent need for humanitarian aid in Gaza. The unexpected revelation was quickly followed by a White House aide alerting Biden that he was still being recorded, to which Biden nonchalantly responded, “I’m on a hot mic here. Good. That’s good.”
The Biden administration has been at odds with Netanyahu over Israel’s handling of the conflict in Gaza and the delivery of aid to Palestinian civilians. Biden’s State of the Union address included a warning to Israel to prioritize humanitarian efforts in Gaza and protect innocent civilians. The President also announced a military mission to build a port on the Gaza coast for aid transportation.
Despite Biden’s efforts, Netanyahu has remained steadfast in his refusal to consider a two-state solution and has vowed to continue the conflict until Hamas is defeated. The administration’s attempts to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of Israeli hostages have hit a roadblock due to lack of support from Hamas.
As tensions between the U.S. and Israel escalate, Biden’s candid remarks captured on the hot mic offer a glimpse into the President’s frustration and determination to address the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.