Netanyahu 'bad f*****g guy', Biden says during private talks: Reports
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US President Joe Biden reportedly called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "bad f***ing guy", though the White House dismissed these claims.
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President Joe Biden speaks at an event in Raleigh, North Carolina, January 18, 2024 (AP)
US President Joe Biden allegedly referred to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a "bad f*****g guy" during private conversations, as per Politico.
White House spokesperson Andrew Bates promptly denied the claim, asserting that President Biden did not make such a statement and emphasizing the longstanding and respectful relationship between the two leaders.
The reported remark comes amidst a backdrop of increasing tension between Biden and Netanyahu over the past year. Disagreements on issues such as the government's judicial reform plan, the conduct of far-right members in the Israeli government, and Gaza-related policies have strained the relationship between the two leaders.
One major point of contention has been the Israeli regime's judicial reform plan, with Biden urging Netanyahu earlier in 2023 to reconsider the initiative in light of widespread protests by Israeli settlers across occupied Palestine.
Netanyahu, however, maintained his stance, asserting that he would not succumb to "pressures from abroad."
The Biden administration has been advocating for a framework that could eventually lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state. In contrast, Netanyahu has recently rejected any plans for a Palestinian state, further exacerbating the diplomatic discord between the two leaders.
Not seeing eye to eye
NBC reported in January that the Biden administration had been engaging with members of the Knesset opposition and civil society representatives, signaling a desire for a future Israeli government not led by Netanyahu.
Also in January, Washington stressed that it believes "the creation of a Palestinian state is the only way to guarantee Israel's long-term security," opposing statements being made by Israeli officials.
The very same day, Netanyahu said the occupation "must have security control over all the territory west of the Jordan (River)," labeling it as a necessary condition, then proceeding to say that this "conflicts with the idea of Palestinian sovereignty."
US National Security Council spokesperson, John Kirby, commented on Netanyahu's statement assuring that Washington and "Israel" definitely see it differently.
Netanyahu seemed unbothered as he insisted that "a prime minister in Israel should be able to say no, even to our best friends -- to say no when necessary, and to say yes if possible," referencing the United States.
