Internet livid as White House dodges question on whether Biden considers Netanyahu 'obstacle to peace'

WASHINGTON, DC: In a recent exchange on MSNBC, White House national security communications adviser John Kirby faced persistent questioning from anchor Andrea Mitchell regarding President Biden's stance on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's impact on the peace process.

The discussion was sparked by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's bold call for Netanyahu's removal, labeling him as an "obstacle to peace."

President Biden's support for Schumer's speech was evident when he commended it, stating, "He made a good speech, and I think he expressed serious concern shared not only by him, but by many Americans."

Challenges in pressing for clarity

However, when pressed on MSNBC by Mitchell about whether Biden agrees with Schumer's characterization of Netanyahu, Kirby appeared to sidestep the question.

"The president had a choice about the words he would use by calling it a ‘good speech,'" Mitchell said. "Does he agree with those views that Prime Minister Netanyahu is an 'obstacle to peace?'" 

"The president knows that the Israeli people get to determine who their elected government representatives are. That's what democracy is all about and he respects that," Kirby replied. "And he has been nothing but candid and forthright with the prime minister about ways in which we think things can be done differently, things can be done better, things can be done a little bit more stridently to get more assistance into the people of Gaza and to reduce the number of civilian casualties. I mean, my goodness, these are two guys that have no problem being honest with one another and I can assure you that the president has done that."

Mitchell, not satisfied with Kirby's response, continued to press the issue, highlighting the significance of Biden's choice of words in endorsing Schumer's speech. Despite her persistence, Kirby reiterated the administration's commitment to working with Netanyahu to address humanitarian concerns in Gaza.

"The president will continue to work with Prime Minister Netanyahu and his war cabinet, again, to do everything we can to alleviate that humanitarian suffering in Gaza," Kirby continued. "Now look, we've been honest, Andrea, that there have been times in not too distant past here in recent days, where we don't believe that the Israelis have done as much as they can do and should do to increase the level of trucks getting into Gaza, that there have been some obstacles to moving forward in terms of getting them the food, the water, medicine, the fuel that they need. And we've been very, very frank about that."

"Let me just say that answer - that question was not answered three times. That's alright. That was your answer," Mitchell pointed out before moving forward. 

Schumer's speech, which called for Netanyahu's removal through a snap election, raised many eyebrows.

"I have known Prime Minister Netanyahu for a long time. While we have vehemently disagreed on many occasions, I will always respect his extraordinary bravery for Israel on the battlefield as a younger man. I believe in his heart his highest priority is the security of Israel. However, I also believe Prime Minister Netanyahu has lost his way by allowing his political survival to take precedence over the best interests of Israel," Schumer said on the Senate floor.

The backlash against Schumer's remarks was swift, particularly from Republicans and Israeli Ambassador to the US Michael Herzog.

"Israel is a sovereign democracy. It is unhelpful, all the more so as Israel is at war against the genocidal terror organization Hamas, to comment on the domestic political scene of a democratic ally. It is counterproductive to our common goals," Herzog said, as quoted by Fox News.

Interent trolls Biden admin for evading key question

However, the Biden administration faced its own share of criticism on social media for appearing to evade the question of whether the President thinks his Israeli counterpart is an "obstacle to peace." 

"That's this regime's best skill. Not answering hard questions. Liars and incompetent," one posted on X.

"And we are surprised by this? [Clown] show administration," another wrote.

"They be playin' games, dodgin' questions, as per usual tho. can't give a straight answer for nothin' fr," a comment read.

"Biden funded this war, and he started the Ukraine war," someone else alleged.

"The Biden/Obama White House is an obstacle to peace!" another declared.

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