From the Liveblog of
Friday, March 8, 2024
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 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.
NEW – Biden on hot mic: "I told him, Bibi, and don't repeat this, but you and I are going to have a 'come to Jesus' meeting." pic.twitter.com/1gDCdhgeXf
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