US President Joe Biden, in an interview, disclosed that he cautioned the Israeli government against potential self-inflicted harm, marking what seems to be the latest verbal slip from the aging leader and sparking renewed concerns about his mental acuity.
During an interview with Reshad Hudson of Nexstar Media published on Wednesday, the 81-year-old president outlined his efforts to regain support from pro-Palestinian voters while maintaining his backing of Israel amid its conflict with Hamas.
Biden stated that, apart from engaging with pro-Palestinian activists, he also conveyed a message to the Israelis, advising them against taking action in Haifa, a major port city in northern Israel.
However, the president’s remarks then became disjointed, as he seemed to lose his train of thought and shifted to discussing Iran’s recent attack on Israel over the weekend.
Instead of warning Israel against attacking its own city, it appears the US President intended to refer to Rafah, a Palestinian city in southern Gaza, which has become a sanctuary for displaced civilians in the besieged region.
Amid recent developments, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have reportedly bolstered their presence with additional artillery and armored vehicles near the Gaza city, anticipating a potential large-scale ground operation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has staunchly declared that no external force would hinder the IDF from advancing into Rafah, a city housing over a million Palestinians and which Israel claims serves as a base for Hamas militants.
BIDEN: "I made it clear to the Israelis — don't move on Haifa!"
Haifa is a major city *IN* Israel. pic.twitter.com/BdNgoDlGkM
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) April 18, 2024
Biden’s recent verbal slip has elicited widespread online ridicule, with many labeling it as “highly embarrassing.” Former US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman jokingly suggested that Israel should humor Biden’s demand not to attack Haifa, while former New York state Assemblyman Dov Hikind speculated that Israel might indeed avoid targeting Haifa.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also weighed in on Biden’s statement, suggesting on Telegram that the US president should prohibit himself from participating in the 2024 elections.
“It would be amusing if this individual weren’t overseeing the allocation of billions of dollars and massive quantities of weapons for conflicts worldwide,” Zakharova remarked.
An ABC News/Ipsos poll from February indicated that a significant 86% of American voters believe Biden is too old to hold the presidency, expressing concerns about his cognitive abilities. Over 60% of voters also shared similar concerns regarding Biden’s main rival, former President Donald Trump. Both are slated to compete in the presidential election on November 5.
