In an interview with Time magazine published on Tuesday, US President Joe Biden hinted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might be extending the Gaza conflict for his own political benefit. Biden noted that there was “every reason” to believe Netanyahu was prolonging the war to bolster his political standing.
Biden also mentioned a significant disagreement with Netanyahu regarding Gaza’s future after the conflict. He criticized Israel’s handling of the situation, describing some of their actions as “inappropriate.”
The 81-year-old president used the interview to highlight his own capabilities compared to his electoral opponent, Donald Trump, especially in handling international issues such as Ukraine, Taiwan, and Gaza. Biden positioned himself as more competent than Trump in maintaining the United States’ role as a global leader.
In response to a query about whether Netanyahu was extending the war for self-preservation, Biden replied, “There is every reason for people to draw that conclusion.” This comment comes amid their strained relationship, worsened by the rising death toll in Gaza.
Biden emphasized the need for a Palestinian state, pointing out his key disagreement with Netanyahu. He questioned the feasibility of Israel reoccupying Gaza, stating, “My major disagreement with Netanyahu is, what happens after… Gaza’s over? What, what does it go back to? Do Israeli forces go back in? The answer is, if that’s the case, it can’t work.”
Additionally, Biden defended his foreign policy record, particularly his support for Ukraine.
Criticizing his predecessor, Biden said, “All the bad guys are rooting for Trump, man. Name me a world leader other than Orban and Putin who think that Trump should be the world leader in the United States of America.”
On the issue of Taiwan, Biden reiterated the United States’ commitment to defend the island while not seeking its independence. “We are not seeking independence for Taiwan nor will we in fact, not defend Taiwan if they if, if China unilaterally tries to change the status,” he said.
Addressing concerns about his age, Biden, who is running for a second term, stated confidently, “I can do it better than anybody you know,” when asked about his capability to serve another term that would end when he is 86 years old.
