President Joe Biden was caught on a hot mic after his State of the Union address on Thursday night, revealing his growing frustrations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
In an eyebrow-raising exchange with Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) on the floor of the House chamber, Biden addressed calls for him to pressure to Netanyahu to secure a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Bennet urged the president to “keep doing what you’re doing on the humanitarian stuff” in Gaza as Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg looked on.
“I told him, ‘Bibi’ — and don’t repeat this—‘You and I are going to have a come to Jesus moment,’” the president said, unaware that his microphone was picking up his comments about the Jewish leader. (A “come to Jesus” refers to a moment of major realization or enlightenment, not necessarily one of religious awakening.) An aide quickly rushed over, whispering in Biden’s ear and stopping him from saying more.
“I’m on a hot mic here,” Biden mumbled after being alerted, sarcastically adding “Good. That’s good.”
NEW – Biden on hot mic: "I told him, Bibi, and don't repeat this, but you and I are going to have a 'come to Jesus' meeting." pic.twitter.com/1gDCdhgeXf
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) March 8, 2024
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While the White House did not comment on the president’s remarks, sources speculate that the “leak” may actually have been intentional given his recent clashes with Netanyahu’s administration. Last month, reports surfaced suggesting that Biden, an early supporter of Israel’s war effort, had privately disparaged the Israeli Prime Minister for his refusal to negotiate an end to the fighting.
Sentiment within the Democrat voter base has shifted aggressively against further support for Israel, with pro-Palestine activists staging mass protests and refusing to vote for Biden until he intervenes.
Related: Biden Announces Gaza Pier Construction for Aid Deliveries in SOTU Speech
During his State of the Union address, Biden once again condemned Hamas as “a vile terrorist organization,” but also warned Israel to “protect innocent civilians in Gaza” and not make humanitarian aid a “secondary consideration or a bargaining chip.”
According to the latest numbers, between 25,000 and 30,000 Gazans, primarily non-combatants, have been killed by Israel’s retaliatory strikes.
Connor Walcott is a staff writer for Valuetainment.com. Follow Connor on X and look for him on VT’s “The Unusual Suspects.”
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