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Manila Bulletin devider World devider Biden presses Netanyahu on Gaza after hot mic moment

Biden presses Netanyahu on Gaza after hot mic moment

Published Mar 8, 2024 10:01 pm

Washington, United States - US President Joe Biden said Friday that Benjamin Netanyahu must allow more aid into Gaza, after he was caught on a hot mic saying he would confront the Israeli premier over the conflict.

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US President Joe Biden speaks to the press before boarding Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, on March 8, 2024. Biden is traveling to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, Delaware. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP)

Biden was overheard saying after his State of the Union speech on Thursday that he'd told Netanyahu they would have a "come to Jesus" meeting, reflecting growing frustration with Israel.

"Yes he does," Biden told reporters when asked, in the wake of the recorded comments, if Netanyahu needed to do more to let in relief to the Palestinian territory amid UN warnings of looming famine.

Asked by reporters why he had said a meeting was necessary, Biden added that "I didn't say that in the speech," referring to his State of the Union address Thursday night, and then said that "you guys (were) eavesdropping (on) things."

Biden faces acute political pressure at home over his steadfast support for Israel's war on Hamas, but has been shifting his position on the need to reduce civilian casualties and tackle the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The hot mic comments after his State of the Union speech reinforced the impression of a growing rift with Netanyahu, as Israel and Hamas fail to agree a ceasefire.

Biden was recorded while speaking on the floor of the House of Representatives to Senator Michael Bennet, saying: "I told him, Bibi -- and don't repeat this -- but you and I are going to have a ‘come to Jesus’ meeting."

A presidential aide spotted the camera and approached Biden to warn him.

Biden then left the huddle which included Secretary of State Antony Blinken, saying "I’m on a hot mic here. Good. That was good."

The senator had earlier said he had traveled to Jordan and urged the president to "keep pushing what you're doing on the humanitarian stuff."

Biden has had a history of gaffes and open microphone moments over the years.

However it was unclear on this occasion if he had really been taken unawares -- or had used the opportunity to get a message across to Netanyahu outside the confines of the set-piece speech.

Biden had already directed some tough language at Israel in the address, warning it could not use aid as a "bargaining chip" in its fight against Hamas.

He also announced the US military would establish a temporary port off Gaza's coast to bring in desperately needed aid.


 

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