Biden on hot mic: I told Bibi we’re going to have a ‘Come to Jesus’ meeting

Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief

US President Joe Biden speaks to Sen. Michael Bennet (C) after his State of the Union address in Washington on March 7, 2024. (Screen capture/X)
US President Joe Biden speaks to Sen. Michael Bennet (C) after his State of the Union address in Washington on March 7, 2024. (Screen capture/X)

US President Joe Biden was caught on a hot mic telling Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet after his State of the Union speech last night, “I told him, ‘Bibi’ — and don’t repeat this — but ‘you and I are going to have a Come to Jesus meeting,'” referring to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by his nickname.

After an aide told him he was being recorded, Biden smiled and appeared to respond, “I’m on a hot mic being recorded… that was good.”

Bennet was heard praising his speech and urging Biden to continue to push Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza.

According to Merriam-Webster, a “Come to Jesus” moment refers to a “sudden realization, comprehension, or recognition that often precipitates a major change.”

Biden has had a checkered, decades-long relationship with Netanyahu, but those ties have come under particular strain in recent months, as Washington sours over Israel’s prosecution of the war in Gaza amid a growing feeling that the premier is not doing enough to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.