"I saved Bibi's ass": Biden spoke harshly about Netanyahu
Brett McGurk, an advisor to Biden, described in an article for The Atlantic a tense phone call between Biden and Netanyahu in April 2024. Biden angrily berated the prime minister, threatening to cut off military aid if humanitarian measures were not taken. After successfully repelling an Iranian attack on April 13, Biden told advisors he "saved Bibi's ass."
Brett McGurk, an advisor to former US President Joe Biden, described in an article for The Atlantic, adapted from his book "On the Edge," a tense phone call between Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on April 4, 2024. The call took place after Israel killed an Iranian general in Damascus, as Tehran prepared a major response. Biden, according to McGurk, was furious: "Bibi, man, what the hell are you doing? Do you think I'm Santa Claus?" he berated Netanyahu, threatening to cut off military aid if immediate humanitarian measures were not taken. At the same time, Biden promised to help defend against Iran. On April 13, Iran launched 200 drones, 30 cruise missiles, and over 100 ballistic missiles, which were intercepted. After the attack, Biden told Netanyahu, "Looks like you came out of this unscathed, Bibi." Later, Biden told advisors he "saved Bibi's ass." The article also describes negotiations in Cairo in February 2024, where Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel characterized the situation as a deadlock, and Netanyahu doubted the usefulness of negotiations, believing hostages could only be freed through military pressure.