New book sheds light on Biden’s opinion of closest Middle East ally
US President Joe Biden often swears when discussing current and former world leaders, including close American allies, according to a new book by Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward.
The book titled ‘War’ follows the history of the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts, and is filled with behind-the-scenes discussions between Biden and his inner circle. The book is due to be released on October 15, but excerpts that have circulated online highlight Biden’s lack of diplomacy and at times hypocrisy behind closed doors.
For instance, while the US has publicly supported Israel in its war in Gaza in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on the Jewish state, Woodward recounts the many verbal spars between Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the war during phone calls over the past year.
Biden is said to have shouted at Netanyahu and accused him of “having no strategy,” while warning that Israel is increasingly perceived as a “rogue state.” The president also allegedly told a friend he was amazed that Netanyahu’s leadership has lasted this long.
“Why hasn’t there been an internal revolt?” he was cited as saying. “A strong internal revolt about just voting [Netanyahu] out of office somehow, someway! Just get him out of there!” All the while, official White House reports claim that the Biden-Netanyahu phone calls have been fruitful, cordial, and productive.
In April this year, Biden allegedly referred to Netanyahu as “that son of a bitch,” “a bad f**king guy,” and “a f**king liar” in a private conversation with a close associate, claiming that the prime minister “doesn’t give a s**t about Hamas [but] gives a s**t only about himself.”
Biden’s sharp tongue has also reportedly been directed at other leaders. Woodward writes that Biden uses swear words to describe this year’s Republican presidential candidate, former President Donald Trump, calling him “that f**king asshole.” He has also been equally candid when describing ex-President Barack Obama’s policy regarding Russia and Ukraine, telling a close friend that “Barack never took Putin seriously” and “that’s why we are here, we f**ked it up.”
Biden has not shied away from using swear words to describe Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent years. According to Woodward, he has referred to him as “that f**king Putin” and has said “Putin is the epitome of evil.” Biden’s public statements have often drawn criticism from Moscow as being “unbecoming” of a global leader.
Asked to comment on the book, White House Senior Deputy Press Secretary Emilie Simons told reporters that Netanyahu and Biden have a “very honest and direct relationship,” and that she doesn’t have “a comment on those specific anecdotes.” Simons also stressed that “the commitment that we have to the State of Israel is ironclad.” She declined to comment on Biden’s other remarks.
