Biden Criticizes Netanyahu in Memoir, Citing Broken Promises and Self-Interest

Former U.S. President Joe Biden has sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his new memoir, "Promise Me, America." Biden accuses Netanyahu of making promises he did not intend to keep and repeatedly ignoring U.S. administration demands to reduce civilian casualties in Gaza, prioritizing personal political interests over Israel's well-being. Published excerpts reveal Biden's growing disappointment with Netanyahu, whom he has known for decades, detailing a strained relationship between the White House and the Prime Minister's office during the war.

Biden writes that he urged Israel from the conflict's outset to take precautions to minimize civilian suffering, raising the issue in personal conversations with Netanyahu. While Netanyahu acknowledged that the rising Palestinian death toll harmed Israel's international image and U.S. support, Biden claims Netanyahu would promise to change his approach, only for further military operations to result in civilian deaths. "When we demanded explanations, the Israelis always had an explanation or justification, but the result remained the same," Biden stated, adding that Netanyahu had "no problem making promises he couldn't or wouldn't keep."

Biden expresses frustration with Netanyahu's perceived inability to think like a statesman and protect Israel's long-term interests rather than his own immediate political needs. These revelations come amid criticism in the U.S. that Netanyahu manipulated Biden into providing extensive military and diplomatic support, even when ignoring White House demands. Biden refutes claims of being deceived, insisting he clearly communicated his position.

The memoir also touches on past conflicts between the two leaders, referencing accounts from former U.S. administration officials. Brett McGurk described a tense April 2024 phone call where Biden, angered by the deaths of World Central Kitchen staff, reportedly used expletives and threatened to halt arms shipments. McGurk suggests the U.S. administration was close to taking severe measures against Israel, but an impending Iranian attack shifted focus to defense. Phil Gordon, a former advisor to Kamala Harris, presented a different perspective on stalled hostage negotiations, attributing delays to new demands made by Netanyahu in July 2024, which he claims led to thousands of Palestinian deaths and the deaths of more Israeli hostages.

Kamala Harris's own memoir, "107 Days," also criticized Netanyahu, suggesting he was dismissive and preferred Donald Trump's return to the White House. Biden, however, also faced internal criticism regarding his handling of the Gaza war, with some accusing him of being manipulated. He defends himself against claims of cognitive decline, citing his actions during the intense security crisis immediately following the October 7th attack. The memoir also details Biden's feelings of betrayal by Democratic Party leaders like Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, who he claims urged him not to run for re-election. He also recounts a meeting with Donald Trump, who he says expressed a desire for friendship outside of politics.