Biden's Frustration With Netanyahu Revealed in New Book
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Biden reportedly asked Netanyahu, "Do you think I'm Santa Claus?"
- A new book details severe strain between Biden and Netanyahu over Gaza war.
- Their communication dropped from 20 calls to 2 in a few months.
- Biden was angered by civilian casualties and aid delays.
- The crisis was described as the most difficult McGurk had seen.
A new book by Brett McGurk details the significant strain on the relationship between U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the Gaza war, revealing a moment of intense frustration from Biden. In a phone call, Biden reportedly asked Netanyahu, "Do you think I'm Santa Claus?" This exchange underscores the deep disagreements that nearly led to a complete rupture between the two leaders over the conflict.
McGurk, who advised four presidents and has extensive experience in the Middle East, described the war as the most complex, difficult, and horrifying crisis he had ever witnessed. The personal toll on him was so severe that the stress and travel even led to him developing a hernia.
The spring of 2024 marked a critical low point in the leaders' communication. While they spoke 20 times in the last three months of 2023, their conversations dwindled to just two in the first quarter of 2024. Biden's anger stemmed from the civilian casualties in Gaza and the delays in humanitarian aid delivery.
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