Biden ridiculed for speaking with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu as pro-Palestinian protests sweep campuses

WASHINGTON, DC: President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the phone on Sunday, April 28, reported NBC News.

This comes as pro-Palestinian protests continue to grow in strength on college campuses across the nation and an invasion of Rafah by the Israeli military appears imminent. 

What did Joe Biden and Benjamin Netanyahu discuss in the Sunday phone call?

According to a readout of the phone conversation released by the White House, Biden "reaffirmed his ironclad commitment to Israel’s security following the successful defence against Iran’s unprecedented missile and drone attack earlier this month."

The safe release of hostages and immediate ceasefire with Gaza were reviewed, as the POTUS "referred to his statement with 17 other world leaders demanding that Hamas release their citizens without delay to secure a ceasefire and relief for the people of Gaza."

The difference between the two parties over their stance on a ground offensive in the city of Rafah, located in southern Gaza, was brought to light.

The US has publicly opposed Netanyahu's potential move to attack the city that is at present sheltering over a million Palestinians. "The leaders discussed Rafah and the President reiterated his clear position," stated the readout.

Backdrop of Biden and Netanyahu's  phone conversation

The Sunday conversation came at a time when pro-Palestinian protests are sweeping across college campuses, with many student demonstrators calling for an end to the war and urging their universities to divest from companies that do business in Israel.

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told ABC News earlier in the day that Israelis have "assured us they won’t go into Rafah until we’ve had a chance to really share our perspectives and concerns with them. So we’ll see where that goes."

Biden, who had stood steadfast in support of Israel's retaliation following the October 7 Hamas attack, shifted his tone in public since the beginning of April, saying that he thinks Netanyahu is making a "mistake" with his handling of the war.

The POTUS even stressed, "I don’t agree with his approach." 

Internet reacts to Biden-Netanyahu conversation

One remarked, "He may be talking but Netanyahu isn’t listening," and another took a jibe at Biden, writing, "Bibi gave his orders to Biden. Biden will comply."

A person chided, "Bibi doesn't care about anything but for us to keep sending him money." "I'm sure Netanyahu would welcome U.S.Marines clear out Rafa and secure the hostages," expressed someone else. 

An individual questioned, "Will he discuss his phone conversation with the families of the American hostages?" 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.