Staff Reports
Biden finally picked up the phone and dialed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, marking the first contact in over a month. This overdue chat came after a barrage of missiles from Iran turned the Middle East into a not-so-friendly neighborhood. With tensions reaching a boiling point, this call could be the diplomatic equivalent of throwing a bucket of water on a wildfire—if only there were more substance behind it.
Vice President Kamala Harris made an appearance during the call, proving once again that her job description might include joining conversations even when no one is quite sure what she adds. The timing of this call correlates suspiciously with a bombshell revelation from Bob Woodward, who claims that Biden has been calling Netanyahu some less-than-flattering names. Apparently, “f**king liar” and “son of a bitch” are the right terms in this diplomatic Shakespearean drama. It seems that while Biden tries to project strength, he may just be spilling his secrets to journalists instead.
White House pressed over Biden’s fracturing relationship with Netanyahu https://t.co/yo7mGtqGBY
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) October 10, 2024
The not-so-illustrious White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, chimed in after the call, declaring it “direct” and “productive” after the obligatory 30-minute chat. Yet, all attempts by reporters to get the dirt on Biden’s strategy towards Iran or even hopes for a ceasefire were met with a classic dodge. When pressed for details, Jean-Pierre simply sent the press on a wild goose chase, insisting that it was all “hypothetical.” It’s no wonder that pundits often describe the administration as having a communication strategy akin to a game of smoke and mirrors.
Furthermore, it wasn’t just Biden and Netanyahu brushing shoulders; there was also word of Netanyahu reaching out to former President Donald Trump shortly after Iran’s missile barrage. This connection surely raises eyebrows given the stark differences in leadership styles between Trump and Biden. While Biden clings to high-profile calls that lead nowhere, Trump was known for his more direct and decisive tactics, leaving one wondering whether Netanyahu is more likely to trust a lion than a circus performer.
In a world where one would think that clarity and decisiveness would be paramount, the Biden administration seems to be playing a game of “don’t ask, don’t tell.” With Israel facing threats from Iran and tensions bubbling under the surface, all eyes are on whether the Commander-in-Chief has the backbone to lead. As discussions continue, one can only hope that Biden’s next call with Netanyahu manages to break through the fog of vagueness and deliver some real results instead of just diplomatic fluff.
