CBS News correspondent Ed O’Keefe ruffled John Kirby’s feathers on Monday.
The United Nations Security Council unanimously passed a resolution on Monday calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. The United States abstained from voting on the resolution, allowing it to be adopted.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Understandably upset and canceled Israeli delegation’s travel schedule to Washington DC
At a White House press conference, Kirby justified passing the resolution by arguing that a ceasefire is tied to the release of hostages.
But O’Keefe did not accept the rationalization and clashed with Kirby over whether the U.S. would take this new position as President Joe Biden faces turbulent political headwinds over his support for Israel.
“Today, some U.S. officials are saying that Prime Minister Netanyahu is taking this action because he faces domestic political pressure.President Biden is also facing domestic political pressure. And is that one of the reasons you’re allowing something like this to happen today?” Mr. Keefe said, “Democratic politicians are saying that he’s doing it wrong.” The general public suggests that his support for Israel is misguided.
“Is that part of the reason why this situation persists today?” O’Keefe asked.
The question clearly reached Kirby’s heart.
“No, absolutely not,” Kirby insisted, “and I have to disagree with the premise of the question.
“The President makes decisions based on the national security interests of the United States, and this decision to abstain from this resolution is consistent with the national security interests of the United States,” he said. he claimed. “And, frankly, that’s consistent with the national security concerns of the Israeli people.”
But Kirby did not explain how the resolution would benefit Israel.
The Biden administration has been forced to address concerns that it is embarrassed by Israel because Democrats are angry about Biden’s support for Israel. This is the second time in two weeks.
Last week, NBC News reported that Biden was furious when he was told in January that his poll numbers were dropping because of his pro-Israel policies. The White House declined to substantively answer questions about the report. call such inquiries insteadthe question “When did you stop hitting your spouse?”
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