Biden on hot mic: ‘Come to Jesus meeting’ with Netanyahu on the way
by Ellen Mitchell - 03/08/24 12:46 PM ET
President Biden told a Democratic lawmaker and members of his Cabinet after the State of the Union address that he told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that they will need to have a “come to Jesus meeting.”
Biden’s comments, captured on a hot mic as he spoke with Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), on the floor of the House chamber, came after Bennet congratulated the commander-in-chief on his speech and pressed him to keep pressure on Netanyahu over increasing humanitarian issues in Gaza.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg were standing with Biden and Bennet during the brief exchange.
“I told him, Bibi, and don’t repeat this, but you and I are going to have a ‘come to Jesus’ meeting,” Biden said.
An aide to Biden then appeared to inform the president that his microphone was still on.
“I’m on a hot mic here,” Biden replied. “Good. That’s good.”
Biden during his address spent more than five minutes talking about the Israel-Hamas war, the most time spent on a single topic other than when he spoke on democracy, according to a CNN breakdown of the speech.
“This war has taken a greater toll on innocent civilians than all previous wars in Gaza combined,” Biden said, adding that he has called on Israel to “do its part” and allow more aid inside the enclave via and more border openings.
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https://thehill.com/policy/defense/4519288-biden-on-hot-mic-come-to-jesus-meeting-with-netanyahu-on-the-way/
