Biden Memoir: Netanyahu Prioritized Politics Over Israel's Needs

Former U.S. President Joe Biden writes in his upcoming memoir that he does not regret supporting Israel after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. However, in the book, excerpts of which were published by The Wall Street Journal, Biden describes a strained relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, claiming Netanyahu prioritized his short-term political survival over Israel's long-term needs. Biden stated that while he and Netanyahu could speak openly, "there wasn't much trust between us." He also identified patterns in Netanyahu's behavior that reminded him of Donald Trump, noting Netanyahu's "Trump-like tendencies" and willingness to "bend democratic institutions to serve his personal needs."

Biden reaffirms his commitment to Israel, calling the October 7th attack the "worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust." Yet, he also expresses concern over the ongoing conflict, stating, "too many innocent Palestinians have been killed" and carrying the pain of those not involved with Hamas.

The memoir also touches on Biden's decision to run for a second term in 2024, his struggles during a debate with Trump, and pressure from figures like Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer to withdraw from the race. Biden recounts a difficult debate performance where he lost his train of thought and mistakenly referred to overcoming Medicare instead of drug companies, admitting, "I was wrong."

Biden criticizes Trump's actions during the January 6th Capitol riot but also mentions finding a generous personal letter from Trump in the Oval Office. He defends his decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan, despite the chaotic nature of the pullout, stating he would make the same decision again.