Biden Criticizes Netanyahu in New Memoir, Cites Political Focus Over Israel's Interests

Former U.S. President Joe Biden has sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his new memoir, "Promise Me, Dad," alleging that Netanyahu prioritized his own political needs over the long-term interests of Israel. Biden recounts his interactions with Netanyahu, particularly in the aftermath of the October 7th Hamas attack, and expresses frustration over what he perceived as Netanyahu's failure to adequately protect civilian lives in Gaza.

Biden details his concerns about the rising civilian casualties in Gaza, which he raised in private conversations with Netanyahu. He notes that Netanyahu acknowledged the damage to Israel's image and American support caused by the high casualty count. However, Biden writes that a "familiar pattern" emerged: Netanyahu would promise to do more to limit civilian harm, but further aggressive actions would follow, resulting in more civilian deaths.

"Netanyahu had no problem making promises he didn't have the ability or intention to keep," Biden stated, reflecting on his decades-long relationship with the Israeli leader. He expressed disappointment that Netanyahu, despite understanding the pressures he faced, did not act as a statesman to safeguard Israel's future, instead focusing on short-term political gains.

The memoir also addresses Biden's own political challenges, including criticism of his cognitive abilities and his decision to run for re-election. He defends his performance during the presidential debates, noting that unlike other presidents, he did not have a second debate to correct a poor first impression. Biden asserts he was fully aware of his political standing and the concerns raised by Democrats, refuting the notion that he lived in a dream world. He maintained that despite his age, he was capable of fulfilling the duties of the presidency and had a clear vision for the nation.