Biden Claims Netanyahu Repeatedly Broke Promises on Civilian Casualties
Translated & summarized from Channel 13 by baba
Former U.S. President Joe Biden claims in his new book that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeatedly broke promises to limit civilian casualties in Gaza. Biden described a pattern of Netanyahu making assurances followed by further attacks, and accused the Israeli leader of prioritizing personal political interests over national needs. Despite frustrations, Biden affirmed his unwavering support for Israel after the October 7th attacks but acknowledged the significant Palestinian civilian death toll. He also defended his administration's actions and his own fitness for office against claims of weakness.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Joe Biden claims Benjamin Netanyahu repeatedly broke promises to reduce civilian casualties in Gaza.
- Biden accused Netanyahu of prioritizing personal political interests over Israel's long-term needs.
- The former U.S. President expressed frustration with Netanyahu's leadership during the war.
- Biden acknowledged the high number of Palestinian civilian deaths and the suffering caused.
- He affirmed his commitment to standing by Israel after the October 7th attacks.
- Biden defended his own strength and resolve against claims of weakness and cognitive decline.
Excerpts from former U.S. President Joe Biden's new book reveal a strained relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly concerning the October 7th attacks and the subsequent war in Gaza. Biden alleges that in private conversations, Netanyahu repeatedly promised to curb civilian harm in Gaza, only for further attacks resulting in numerous civilian deaths to occur. "Bibi had no qualms about making promises he couldn't keep, or had no intention of keeping," Biden wrote.
Biden addressed criticism that he did not do enough to restrain Israel's offensive, stating he urged Israel to take precautions to minimize civilian suffering. He described a pattern where Netanyahu would promise to do more, followed by another aggressive operation with more civilian casualties. "Whenever we pointed this out, Israelis always had an explanation or an excuse, but the outcome remained the same," Biden noted.
The former president expressed frustration with Netanyahu's leadership during the war, accusing him of prioritizing personal interests over Israel's needs. "While I understood he was under heavy pressure, it frustrated me that he failed to think like a statesman and protect Israel's long-term interests, not just his immediate political needs," Biden wrote.
In another excerpt, Biden expressed concern over Netanyahu's tendencies, which he said reminded him of Donald Trump's, including a disregard for truth and a willingness to bend democratic institutions for personal gain. Despite his criticisms, Biden stated he would "never regret standing by Israel" after October 7th, calling it the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. However, he acknowledged that "far too many innocent Palestinians were killed" and expressed sorrow for the suffering of civilians uninvolved with Hamas.
Biden defended continued aid to Israel, explaining that as president, he believed he had to "support America's interests and its allies." He added that since Netanyahu's return to power in late 2022, he felt the mission to protect Israel meant defending it "both from its enemies and from itself."
Reflecting on his own presidency and domestic politics, Biden pushed back against narratives of his weakness and cognitive decline, particularly those amplified after a Special Counsel report. He argued that his actions and demeanor, especially in the days following October 7th and during his visit to Israel eleven days later, demonstrated his strength and resolve, not weakness.
