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

Former U.S. President Joe Biden has sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his new memoir, "Promise Me, America," accusing him of making promises he didn't intend to keep and prioritizing his own political interests over Israel's well-being. Biden recounts his growing frustration with Netanyahu, detailing repeated instances where he urged the U.S. administration to minimize civilian casualties in Gaza, only for Netanyahu to pledge changes that were not implemented, followed by further military actions resulting in civilian deaths.

Biden describes a pattern where Netanyahu would promise to alter conduct, but subsequent operations continued to result in civilian casualties. "When we demanded explanations, the Israelis always had an explanation or an excuse, but the result was the same," Biden writes. He directly accuses Netanyahu of having "no problem making promises he had no ability, or intention, to keep." Biden, whose relationship with Netanyahu spans decades, expresses disappointment in Netanyahu's inability to think like a statesman and prioritize Israel's long-term interests over his immediate political needs.

The revelations come amid criticism in the U.S. that Netanyahu manipulated Biden into providing unwavering military and political support. Biden, however, insists he repeatedly clarified his position to Netanyahu, though the memoir doesn't fully explain his continued support despite perceived broken promises.

These accounts echo earlier criticisms from former U.S. officials. Brett McGurk, a former Middle East advisor to Biden, detailed a heated phone call in April 2024 after an Israeli strike killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers, where Biden reportedly cursed at Netanyahu and threatened to halt arms supplies. McGurk suggests that without the looming Iranian threat, the U.S. might have taken more significant action against Israel.

Kamala Harris, in her own memoir, also criticized Netanyahu, suggesting he disrespected her and preferred Donald Trump as president, believing Trump would agree to more extreme plans for Gaza. She described a tense meeting in July 2024 where she confronted Netanyahu about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, feeling he was stalling. However, Harris also critiqued Biden for what she perceived as a lack of empathy for Palestinian suffering compared to his expressions of solidarity with Israelis and Ukrainians.