Report: Biden Criticizes Netanyahu in Private

Image copyright: US Embassy in Jerusalem

The Facts

  • US Pres. Joe Biden has grown increasingly frustrated with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, making a number of disparaging comments about the leader behind closed doors, according to an NBC News report.

  • Sources claimed that Biden's private remarks about Netanyahu, some of them to campaign donors, frequently referred to the Israeli politician in contemptuous terms such as "this guy." He is also said to have called Netanyahu an "asshole" at least three times.


The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

While the US has not dramatically shifted its policy on Israel, Biden's growing frustration and private remarks regarding Netanyahu are significant – representing a potential inflection point in their relationship, and possibly leading to a slowdown of American aid and weapons to Israel.

Establishment-critical narrative

The US has provided unconditional support to Israel throughout this conflict, aiding and abetting its many crimes against the Palestinians. If Biden did criticize Netanyahu in private, those comments are meaningless unless they are followed up by action.


Metaculus Prediction


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