‘Stop Acting Like an Idiot’: Biden to Netanyahu

United States President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone conversation that he should ‘stop acting like an idiot,’ according to The Times of Israel.

This outburst reportedly occurred after Netanyahu informed Biden that Israel is advancing talks regarding a ceasefire deal with Hamas in exchange for hostages and that a delegation would soon be sent to resume negotiations. These talks have been ongoing for several months without results, and Biden has previously expressed the view that Netanyahu is doing this deliberately for political reasons.

Netanyahu’s office responded to the report, stating that the Prime Minister does not comment on the content of his private discussions with the U.S. president. The statement noted that the Prime Minister ‘does not interfere in American politics and will work with whoever is elected president, expecting that Americans will also refrain from interfering in Israeli politics.’

Meanwhile, The New York Times reported that Biden stated during the call that the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyah in Iran on Wednesday was ‘poorly timed.’ Citing an anonymous U.S. official, the newspaper reported that Biden also insists this could provoke a regional war.

The Telegraph, citing an Israeli official, mentioned that Netanyahu feels freer to strike Iran after Biden decided on July 21 to withdraw from the 2024 U.S. presidential race.

During a press conference, Biden reflected on his ‘very blunt’ conversation with Netanyahu, saying he urged the Prime Minister to reach an agreement quickly. ‘We have a basis for a ceasefire; he needs to move on that basis,’ Biden said, adding that he is ‘very concerned’ about the rising tensions in the Middle East. The phone call held on Thursday was described by media outlets as ‘stiff.’