Biden Reveals Trust Issues with Netanyahu, Concerns Over Israeli Premier’s Political Leanings in Memoir
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, former U.S. President Joe Biden has discussed his presidency and relationships with world leaders in his new memoir, titled ‘Promise Me, Dad.’ The book, released following the Democratic Party’s victory in the midterm elections on November 3rd, offers insights into his interactions and their political approaches.
Biden defends his decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan in 2021, asserting it was the correct choice given the circumstances at the time and stating he would make the same decision again if faced with the same situation. Both then-U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and then-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley had voiced concerns regarding the withdrawal’s potential consequences. Biden claims he was assured the Afghan government would last at least six months post-withdrawal, but it collapsed within days. It is important to note that the United States and the Taliban signed the agreement for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan in February 2020, during the presidency of Donald Trump.
In another section of the book, Biden addresses his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, writing that there was little trust between them and that he was concerned about Netanyahu’s political leanings, which he felt bore similarities to the behavior of Donald Trump. Biden believes Netanyahu prioritized his short-term political interests over Israel’s long-term welfare, showing little flexibility when faced with realities and not hesitating to undermine democratic institutions for personal gain.
The former U.S. President also claims he does not regret his support for Israel following the events of October 7th, 2023, but expressed deep sorrow over the significant loss of Palestinian civilian lives.
Describing other world leaders, Biden characterized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s demeanor as gloomy, alleging that Putin deliberately sat with a hunched posture during meetings to appear uninterested, like a teenager. He also stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s background as an actor proved highly beneficial for his leadership during the war.
