Joe Biden Memoir Blasts Netanyahu for False Promises and Self-Interest
In his new memoir, former US President Joe Biden accuses Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of making empty promises, ignoring civilian toll concerns in Gaza, and prioritizing political survival over Israel's long-term interests.
Former US President Joe Biden launches a scathing critique of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his new memoir, accusing him of making empty promises, repeatedly ignoring US demands to minimize civilian casualties in Gaza, and prioritizing his personal political survival over Israel's national interests.
In excerpts from his book Promise Me, America, published by CNN, Biden describes his mounting frustration with a long-time political counterpart, painting a bleak picture of relations between the White House and the Prime Minister's Office during the war. "From the very beginning of the conflict, I called on Israel to take precautionary measures to minimize the suffering of civilians," Biden writes. He notes that he raised these concerns in numerous private conversations with Netanyahu, who acknowledged that rising Palestinian casualties were damaging Israel's image and American support for the war. However, Biden argues that a persistent pattern emerged: Netanyahu would promise to change course, only for another military operation to result in further civilian deaths. "When we demanded explanations, the Israelis always had an excuse, but the outcome was the same," he writes, adding that Netanyahu had no trouble making promises he had no intention or ability to keep.
Behind Closed Doors and High Tensions
The memoir also sheds light on severe diplomatic clashes, echoing accounts previously published by former administration officials. Brett McGurk, Biden's former Middle East envoy, detailed a particularly tense phone call in April 2024 following an Israeli strike that killed seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen (WCK) in Gaza. According to McGurk, Biden lashed out at Netanyahu, demanding to know what he was doing and threatening to halt US weapons shipments. McGurk noted that the administration was on the verge of taking drastic measures, though the threat of an unprecedented Iranian missile attack shifted the focus back to Israel's defense.
Similar friction is documented regarding hostage negotiations and post-war planning. While Biden's memoir focuses heavily on his own interactions, it underscores a profound divergence in vision between Washington and Jerusalem. Biden concludes that Netanyahu consistently failed to think like a statesman, focusing instead on immediate political pressures.
Reflections on Leadership and Legacy
Beyond foreign policy, Biden uses the memoir to address criticisms surrounding his political exit and mental fitness, targeting members of his own party who urged him to step down, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. He also reflects on his post-election meeting with Donald Trump following the November 2024 election, describing a surprisingly amiable encounter.
Spanning 480 pages, the memoir is set for release on Tuesday, November 17. Biden, 83, recently announced he is battling advanced prostate cancer and will curtail promotional appearances for the book.
