President Joe Biden s growing frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to mount, with the Democrat captured on a hot mic saying that he and the Israeli leader will need to have a come to Jesus meeting.
The comments by Biden came as he spoke with Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., on the floor of the House chamber following Thursday nights State of the Union address.
In the exchange, Bennet congratulates Biden on his speech and urges the president to keep pressing Netanyahu on growing humanitarian concerns in Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg were also part of the brief conversation. Biden then responds using Netanyahus nickname, saying, I told him, Bibi, and dont repeat this, but you and I are going to have a come to Jesus meeting.
An aide to the president standing nearby then speaks quietly into the presidents ear, appearing to alert Biden that microphones remained on as he worked the room.
Im on a hot mic here, Biden says after being alerted. Good. Thats good.
The president on Friday acknowledged the comments, lightheartedly poking at reporters that they were eavesdropping on his conversation. Asked if he thought Netanyahu should be doing more to alleviate the humanitarian suffering, Biden responded, Yes, he does.
Better late than never, but hopefully he's sincere about this.