Biden Cracks Joke About Meeting Golda Meir at Age 12 During Netanyahu Visit
Biden administration officials reportedly worked to weaken Netanyahu's influence following the breakdown of ceasefire negotiations, according to a former aide's disclosure.
In a lighthearted moment during a meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, President Joe Biden joked about their history together, implying he was just 12 years old when he first met Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir.
The two leaders discussed their long-standing relationship on Thursday, but the conversation took a humorous turn when Biden brought up his early encounter with Golda Meir, who served as Israel's fourth Prime Minister from 1969 to 1974.
Last year, a bombshell report revealed that Biden officials had considered strategies to support a political adversary to oust Netanyahu, including orchestrating public speeches and manipulating Israeli elections. The plan was eventually shelved, with the president expressing discomfort about directly targeted Netanyahu.
Despite this backdrop, Biden and Netanyahu appear to be focusing on finding common ground during their latest meeting.
Golda Meir had a significant impact on Israel's history, serving as an army nurse during the country's War of Independence before assuming various cabinet positions. She became acting prime minister following the death of Levi Eshkol in 1969 and won the elections the following year.
Meir's tenure was marked by her firm support of Israel's military actions, including the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Her legacy continues to shape Israel's foreign and defense policies.
Though it's uncertain whether Biden was telling the truth about meeting Meir at such a young age, the amusing anecdote underscored the personal connections between the two leaders.
As they work through regional challenges, it's essential for the U.S. and Israel to maintain a strong alliance, built upon open dialogue and mutual respect. The recent report shed light on the complexities of their interactions, highlighting the mistrust and personal tensions that sometimes threatened to derail key diplomatic opportunities.
With their meeting, Biden and Netanyahu are demonstrating a commitment to addressing these challenges head-on, while focusing on the shared values that bind their nations.
- The conversation between Biden and Netanyahu, two leaders with a long-standing relationship, was not solely focused on politics or policy-and-legislation, as it took an unexpected turn with Biden joking about meeting Golda Meir at the age of 12.
- While last year saw discussions about supporting a political adversary to oust Netanyahu, it seems that the current focus of Biden and Netanyahu is finding common ground, as demonstrated by their latest meeting.
- Golda Meir, the fourth Prime Minister of Israel, left a lasting impact on Israel's history, defined by her firm support of military actions, such as during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, and her legacy continues to influence the country's foreign and defense policies.
- Netanyahu's visit to the White House provided an opportunity for both leaders to address regional challenges, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong alliance, built upon open dialogue and mutual respect.
- The amusing anecdote about Biden's claimed early encounter with Golda Meir served as a reminder of the personal connections between the two leaders, underscoring the complex dynamics that often characterize war-and-conflicts and general-news scenarios involving them.
