'That's how we feel about Joe': Internet trolls Biden after he reportedly denigrates Israeli PM behind his back as 'a*****e' and 'pain in my a**'
WASHINGTON, DC: In an eyebrow-raising report, it was revealed that President Joe Biden unleashed some foul-mouthed criticism towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in private conversations.
Despite his efforts to push for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, Biden has reportedly been facing pressure from Netanyahu, according to sources familiar with the situation.
The US leader's private comments, characterized by candid language, shed light on the strained relationship between the two leaders.
Biden's comments unveil the strained relationship between the two leaders
Sources told NBC News that Biden, who has known Netanyahu for decades, has used contemptuous references such as "this guy" when discussing the Israeli leader. Additionally, in at least three instances, Biden reportedly referred to Netanyahu as an "a--hole."
"He just feels like this is enough," one source told the outlet. "It has to stop."
The revelations about Biden's private criticisms come at a time when tensions between the United States and Israel are under increased scrutiny.
Despite assurances from a spokesperson for the National Security Council that the relationship between Biden and Netanyahu remains respectful both in public and in private, the candid nature of Biden's remarks suggests underlying tensions.
The friction between Biden and Netanyahu has been escalating in recent weeks, particularly in light of Biden's growing frustration with the civilian casualties in Gaza and Netanyahu's reluctance to pursue a long-term peace agreement.
While Biden initially embraced Netanyahu during a visit to Israel after the Hamas attack, his patience seems to be wearing thin as the conflict persists.
According to sources close to Biden, the President's tone towards Netanyahu has shifted over time. While he initially expressed liking towards the Israeli Prime Minister, his recent remarks have grown harsher.
Biden has reportedly described Netanyahu as "a pain in my a--" and lamented that "he’s been killing me lately." The insider added, "He goes, ‘But he’s doing a disservice … of late.'"
The NBC report follows Netanyahu's recent interview on ABC, where he praised Biden for being "very clear and focused" in their discussions.
Despite disagreements, Netanyahu emphasized mutual understanding between the two leaders regarding the war aims. Biden's spokesperson, Andrew Bates, even shared Netanyahu's remarks on social media.
“You’ve known Joe Biden for decades…What’s your assessment of him?”
— Andrew Bates (@AndrewJBates46) February 11, 2024
PM Netanyahu: “I’ve had more than a dozen…extended phone conversations, with” @POTUS. “He also came on a visit to Israel during war time.”
“I found him very clear and very focused.” pic.twitter.com/zgJi1MfmZA
"We managed to agree on the war aims and many things. Sometimes we had disagreements, but they were not born of a lack of understanding on his part or my part," Netanyahu said.
However, Biden has faced pressure, both from within his party and the White House, to push for an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Seventeen current Biden for President staffers penned a letter urging him to advocate for a cessation of violence, citing moral and electoral imperatives.
Social media reacts to Biden's remarks on Netanyahu
Despite previous denials from the White House regarding Biden's private criticisms of Netanyahu, reports of their strained relationship sparked a backlash against the commander-in-chief on social media.
"That's how we feel about Joe..." one user posted on X.
"I don’t think Netanyahu cares. He has to see through the fight to eradicate Hamas. He doesn’t care if Joe is struggling to appease swaths of his party base in the process. Biden carries no weight in foreign affairs, sadly," another user wrote.
"He's just pandering for Arab American votes. He's in trouble in Michigan, and they know it!" someone else commented.
"Let those in glass houses cast the first stone," another chimed in.
I don’t think Netanyahu cares. He has to see through the fight to eradicate Hamas. He doesn’t care if Joe is struggling to appease swaths of his party base in the process. Biden carries no weight in foreign affairs, sadly.
— Eff_Irsay (@EffIrsay) February 13, 2024
He's just pandering for Arab American votes. He's in trouble in Michigan, and they know it!
— Mike M (@mikematthews01) February 13, 2024