‘Bad ... guy’: New book exposes Biden’s frustration with Netanyahu even as US keeps backing Israel

ISTANBUL

Bob Woodward's new book is stirring Washington politics, revealing behind-the-scenes insights into the Biden presidency, including pointed criticism of Israel's leadership despite ongoing US support for Tel Aviv.

The book, titled War, features an unvarnished account of Biden's blunt, often profane, assessments of world leaders, from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In one of the most headline-grabbing parts of the nearly 450-page volume, Biden is quoted as saying: "That son ***, Bibi Netanyahu, he’s a bad guy. He’s a bad f****** guy!"

The comment reportedly came during a private conversation in early 2024 as Israel stepped up its deadly onslaught in the Gaza Strip, shedding light on Biden's frustration with Netanyahu's policies.

Woodward’s interviews illuminate the contrasting dynamics between Biden and Netanyahu. In a PBS News interview, he remarked:

"Well, there was listening, but Bibi's going to do what he wants. And he says so to Biden. Look, I'm going to have to do some of these things that maybe you're not going to like. But what's so interesting, there can be an alliance of policy. As somebody in the White House said, Biden's policy is pro-Israel, but not necessarily pro-Netanyahu."

In an interview with the Washington Post, Woodward also elaborated on Biden's "personal distrust" of the Israeli leader, stating: "President Biden speaking to his close aides in the White House saying that Netanyahu is an effing liar, and he even goes further and says 18 of the 19 people who work for Netanyahu are liars."

"But here's the strategic, geostrategic reality. We are allies of Israel, and Biden sticks to that. But Biden's policy really is pro-Israel," he added.

Despite Biden’s remarks, the US has remained a robust ally of Israel, providing it substantial military aid, diplomatic backing, and strategic partnership, often asserting Israel's "right to defend itself" against the Palestinian group Hamas, while facing criticism for enabling humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and other territories.

Since the Gaza conflict escalated, the US has provided a record $17.9 billion in military aid to Israel as of Oct. 7 this year, according to a report from Brown University's Costs of War project.

'Putin is evil'

According to Woodward, Biden's sharp words were not limited to the Israeli premier. After Russia invaded Ukraine, he allegedly told his advisors: "That f****** Putin … Putin is evil. We are dealing with the epitome of evil."

These remarks reflect the US president's deep disdain for the Russian leader and his aggressive foreign policy actions.

Packed with new insights and based on hundreds of hours of interviews, the book uncovers other bombshells as well, including a shipment of COVID-19 test kits sent by former US President Donald Trump to Putin during the pandemic and seven private calls between the two after Trump left office. Trump has denied these claims.

'In the enemy tent'

Woodward, known for his detailed reporting on American presidential politics, emphasizes that the book is not just about colorful language but delves into critical decisions Biden has made, such as his handling of the Russia-Ukraine war and the administration's proactive intelligence declassification.

"It's like being in the enemy tent," Woodward told broadcaster NPR, highlighting the high-quality intelligence that shaped US foreign policy.

"But what's very significant in terms of foreign policy momentum, (is that) the intelligence is so good. I mean, at one point they have a human source in the Kremlin, electronic and other intelligence ... You see them working out, is somebody going to start a war?"

Woodward’s latest release comes three years after his 2021 book Peril, which formed the last part of his trilogy chronicling the Trump presidency. This trilogy, including Rage (2020) and Fear (2018), portrayed the power struggles and turbulence within the White House.

The renowned journalist, whose career spans over five decades, is best known for his groundbreaking work on the Watergate scandal that led to Richard Nixon's resignation in 1974.