President Biden admitted he made an awkward hot mic comment about “coming to Jesus” with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and criticized the Israeli prime minister for not doing more to protect Palestinian civilians. “It’s hurting Israel,” he said.
Speaking to MSNBC’s Jonathan Capehart in an interview on Saturday, Biden insisted that the cryptic remarks recorded after the State of the Union address were just an expression of the state of Delaware.
“What I meant was that this is an expression used in the southern part of my state to mean a serious meeting. And it’s — I’ve known Bibi for 50 years, understood the implications of that,” Biden said the day before, after angrily dodging questions about the comment.
The 81-year-old president made comments about the Jewish state’s government leaders during a conversation with lawmakers after the State of the Union address and asked Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) to remain silent.
“I told him, ‘Bibi,’ please don’t repeat this. But… [I said] “You and I are coming to Jesus–” Biden began, when an aide ran over to stop him from saying any more and yelled, “Sir!” And whisper in your ear.
After his aides delivered the message, Mr. Biden yelled, “I’m on a hot mic here,” adding sarcastically: “I’m on a hot mic here.” It was good. “
Biden told Carhart on Saturday that more than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed since Hamas launched attacks on Israel on October 7, with 1,200 killed and hundreds taken hostage. He reportedly wants a six-week ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Biden said Netanyahu recognized that aggressive military action in the enclave was “hurting Israel more than it was helping it.” While Biden supports Israel’s right to pursue Hamas, Netanyahu said “we must pay more attention to the innocent lives lost as a result of the actions taken.”
Biden said the death toll in Gaza was “contrary to Israel’s position.” And I think that’s a big mistake. ”
“I want a ceasefire,” the president continued. “And I begin with a major prisoner exchange over a period of six weeks.”
“And, look, I’ve talked to the vast majority of Arab leaders, from Saudi Arabia to Egypt to Jordan, and they’re all ready to fully recognize Israel and start rebuilding the region.” he added.
He said it was “possible” that a ceasefire could be reached by the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which begins on Monday.
Biden said Israel’s invasion of Rafah, a city in southern Gaza where more than 1.3 million people have fled, would cross a “red line”, but said the Israeli anti-missile missile “Iron He added that he would never cut off a weapon like “Dome.” This was caused by a rocket attack in the area.
“I will never leave Israel. The defense of Israel remains important and there is no red line that cannot be crossed. I will cut off all weapons so that we will not have an Iron Dome to protect them.” he said.
Biden has said he is even willing to return to Israel to address Congress and Congress and lobby for an end to the fighting, although he declined to say how such a trip would materialize.
