Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government is beginning to lose support around the world, and Netanyahu needs to make changes, President Biden told supporters during a campaign reception Tuesday.
In remarks that were open to reporters but in which no recorders or cameras were allowed, the president told his audience in Washington, D.C., that Israel and Netanyahu have a tough decision to make, as Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza continues following Hamas' deadly Oct. 7 attack and kidnapping of Israeli and international citizens.
Israel, the president said, is starting to lose support around the world and Netanyahu "has to strengthen and change" the Israeli government so they can reach a long-term solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"I think he has to change, and with this government, this government in Israel is making it very difficult for him to move," Mr. Biden said.
Due to restrictions imposed by the White House, recordings of the president's remarks are not available. However, it is worth noting that the president tends to speak more candidly during campaign events, where he is not under the constant scrutiny of the cameras.
Prior to making these comments, the president had a similarly serious message for attendees at a Hanukkah party held at the White House.
"I want to be clear that I have had disagreements with Israeli leadership," Mr. Biden shared with his guests. "I have known Bibi for 51 years. He keeps a picture of the two of us on his desk from when he was a young member of the Israeli service and I was a 32-year-old senator. At the top of the picture, I wrote, 'Bibi, I love you and I may not agree with everything you say.' That sentiment still holds true today. I love him, but it's a challenging situation. We will continue to provide military aid to Israel until they can eliminate the threat of Hamas. However, we must proceed with caution. The global public opinion can shift overnight, and we cannot allow that to happen."
