Biden probably didn’t want America to see this.
Following the State of the Union address, President Biden engaged in a candid discussion with Democratic lawmaker Sen. Michael Bennet and members of his Cabinet, revealing his intent to hold a serious conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, colloquially referring to it as a “come-to-Jesus meeting.”
The impromptu exchange, inadvertently captured by a hot mic, occurred as Biden and Bennet conversed on the House chamber floor. Sen. Bennet commended the president on his speech and urged him to maintain pressure on Netanyahu concerning escalating humanitarian concerns in Gaza.
Accompanying Biden were Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, witnesses to the brief yet revealing dialogue.
Expressing his determination, Biden disclosed to the group his forthcoming dialogue with Netanyahu, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He remarked, “you and I are going to have a come-to-Jesus meeting,” while also expressing a desire for discretion.
An aide discreetly alerted the president to the active microphone, prompting Biden’s nonchalant acknowledgment, “I’m on a hot mic here. Good. That’s good.”
During his address, Biden dedicated significant attention to the Israel-Hamas conflict, highlighting the profound impact on innocent civilians in Gaza. He emphasized the need for Israel to facilitate the entry of critical aid and open its borders, underscoring his frustration with the current restrictions.
In a significant announcement, Biden revealed plans for the U.S. military to establish a temporary pier along the Mediterranean coast of Gaza to facilitate the delivery of essential supplies, including food, water, medicine, and temporary shelters.
Furthermore, he referenced recent Pentagon efforts to airdrop aid into Gaza, reflecting the administration’s commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region.
WATCH:
🇮🇱🇺🇸HOT MIC: BIDEN TOLD NETANYAHU IT'S TIME TO COME TO JESUS
BIDEN: "I told him, Bibi — don't repeat this — you and I are going to have a Come to Jesus meeting."
HANDLER: "Sir, you're on a hot mic."
Source: C-SPAN pic.twitter.com/hLCddhkwbI
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 8, 2024
Biden was then confronted about the hot mic incident by reporters and then insisted that he said no such thing during his speech and blamed the media for attempting to eavesdrop on his conversations.
WATCH:
Q: “Why does Mr. Netanyahu need a ‘come to Jesus’ meeting?”
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) March 8, 2024
BIDEN (confused): “I didn’t say that in the speech.”
Q: “What about after?”
BIDEN: “You guys eavesdropping on things!” pic.twitter.com/804aXMmBmQ