Biden Aide Reveals Tense Moments in Preventing Wider War with Iran

Former senior advisor to U.S. President Joe Biden, Brett McGurk, has revealed details from his upcoming book, "On the Brink: An Inside Account of the Race to Free the October 7 Hostages," offering an inside look at the U.S. efforts to prevent a wider war in the Middle East during 2024. McGurk's account, published in The Atlantic, details diplomatic and military actions taken to thwart an unprecedented Iranian attack and avert regional escalation.

The book highlights the strained relationship between the U.S. and Israeli governments, particularly concerning the U.S. decision not to veto a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire. McGurk recounts a call from Israeli Minister Ron Dermer, who questioned why the Biden administration was treating Israel like a "doormat."

McGurk also describes direct confrontations between President Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following Israeli offensive actions. In one instance, Biden reportedly admonished Netanyahu, asking, "What the hell are you doing? Do you think I'm Santa Claus?"

During the Iranian attack on April 13, 2024, which involved over 300 drones and missiles, McGurk described tense moments in the White House Situation Room. Following the successful interception of the attack, which resulted in minimal casualties in Israel, Biden reportedly told Netanyahu, "I just saved your ass, take the win." McGurk's book also touches on the stalled hostage negotiations in Cairo, where Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel described the difficulties, stating, "This is their war, and they don't want to stop. Both think they will win, there is nothing to win."