US President Joe Biden speaks with the Israeli Prime Minister in an interview with a magazine time It was published on Tuesday, asserting that there is “every reason” to conclude that Benjamin Netanyahu is stalling the war in Gaza for the sake of his political survival.
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The Democrat, whose relations with Netanyahu are very complex, added that he had a “major disagreement” with him over the post-war period in the Palestinian territories, and believed that Israel acted “inappropriately” during the conflict, which was sparked by the Hamas attack on October 7.
These statements are noteworthy because they come from the leader of a great country allied with Israel.
More broadly, the octogenarian president, who is running for a second term, said he is in a better position than his Republican rival, Donald Trump, to ensure that the United States remains the “global power” on issues such as Ukraine, Taiwan and Gaza.
Interview with time It was held before the US president announced a proposed Israeli ceasefire in Gaza, and was coldly received by Mr Netanyahu.
In response to a question about whether he believes that the Israeli Prime Minister is procrastinating the war for his own political interests, the US President answered yes.
“There are every reason for people to come to that conclusion,” he said.
Biden admitted that he particularly disagrees with the Israeli side regarding the need to establish a Palestinian state.
He said: “My big disagreement with Netanyahu is what will happen after… the end of (the conflict) in Gaza? To what status will the Palestinian territories return? Will Israeli forces return there?” the Democrat said.
“The answer is, if so, it can't work.”
“I can do better”
Moreover, Biden, who has made support for Ukraine against Russia a constant of his foreign policy, has said he is in a better position than Donald Trump to continue that defense.
He said the Russian army had been “destroyed,” adding that “what peace looks like is making sure that Russia will never, ever, ever occupy Ukraine.”
He also criticized his Republican predecessor, who threatened to undo traditional American alliances and became close to authoritarian leaders during his term.
“All the bad guys support Trump,” Mr. Biden said.
“Give me the name of one leader, besides (Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor) Orban and (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, who believes Trump should be the world leader in the United States,” he said.
Regarding China, with which relations remain tense, the US President reiterated that the United States will stand by Taiwan, while saying that Washington is not trying to change the status quo.
He added: “We do not seek Taiwan independence (but) we will also not fail to defend Taiwan if China tries to unilaterally change the situation.”
Domestically, despite polls showing voters are concerned about Biden's age — he is just four years older than 77-year-old Trump — the Democrat has asserted he is the better candidate.
“I can do better than anyone else,” he replied when asked if he was qualified to govern for a second full term, at the end of which he would be 86 years old.
