WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — President joe biden On Saturday, he said he believed in the Israeli prime minister. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “We are hurting Israel more than helping it” in the way we deal with Israel. war with hamas In Gaza.
The US leader expressed support for Israel's right to pursue Hamas after the October 7 attack, but said Prime Minister Netanyahu should “pay more attention to the innocent lives lost as a result of the actions taken.” I have to pay.” Biden's latest remarks in an interview with MSNBC's Jonathan Capehart come after he has warned for months that Israel risks losing international support over the mounting civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip. pointed out that the relationship between the two leaders was becoming increasingly strained.
Biden said the death toll in Gaza was “contrary to Israel's position.” And I think that's a big mistake. ”
Biden said a potential Israeli invasion of the Gaza city of Rafah, where more than 1.3 million Palestinians have taken refuge, was a “red line” for him, but he warned that an Israeli missile interceptor would protect Israeli civilians. He said he has no intention of reducing weapons such as Iron Dome. Residents have been affected by rocket attacks in this area.
“This is a line that cannot be crossed,” he said when asked about Rafa. “But I will never leave Israel. There is no red line that will not be crossed, because the defense of Israel remains important. I will cut off all weapons so that we will not have an Iron Dome to protect them. ”
Biden said he was prepared to visit Israel again and make his case directly to Israel's parliament. He visited Israel a few weeks after the October 7 attack. He did not elaborate on how or if such a trip would materialize.
What U.S. leaders wanted secure a temporary ceasefire Before Ramadan begins next week, Hamas has shown reservations about an agreement promoted by the United States and its allies that envisages a six-week cessation of fighting and the release of additional Hamas hostages and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. It seems that this possibility is becoming less and less likely. , and a surge in humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Israel remains committed to continuing its invasion and annihilating Hamas, which killed approximately 1,200 people and took approximately 250 hostages inside Israel on October 7. The militant group released dozens of hostages during a ceasefire in November but has refused to release more without guarantees of fighting again. A complete end to hostilities.
Meanwhile, more than 30,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, were killed in the hundreds in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry. thousands of people are starving.
Biden noted that CIA Director Bill Burns is currently seeking to revive the agreement in the region.
Biden's comments came after he was captured on a hot mic after his speech Thursday night. union status Address to Senator Michael Bennet (Colorado). He said he and the leaders of Israel would need to “come to Jesus and meet.”
In the exchange, Bennett congratulated Biden on his speech and urged the president to continue pushing Netanyahu to grow. Humanitarian concerns in Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also participated in a brief conversation.
“I told him, Bibi, please don't repeat this, but you and I are going to 'come to Jesus' and have a meeting,” Biden responded, using Netanyahu's nickname. Ta.
A close aide to the president then spoke quietly into the president's ear, appearing to warn him that his microphone remained on while Biden worked in the room.
After receiving the warning, Biden said, “I'm using a hot mic here.'' “Good. That's good.”
