Biden Netanyahu criticism/ Woodward Biden book/ Biden private comments/ U.S.-Israel relations/ Woodward’s War release/ Newslooks/ NEW YORK/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ In his upcoming book, War, Bob Woodward reveals President Joe Biden’s unfiltered, private views on foreign leaders, including sharp criticisms of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The book, based on extensive interviews, also discloses Biden’s candid exchanges regarding global conflicts, including Gaza and Ukraine, set for release on October 15.
Biden’s Candid Thoughts: Quick Looks
- Book’s Focus: Woodward’s War shares Biden’s private, intense remarks on key leaders.
- Netanyahu Frustrations: Biden calls Netanyahu a “bad guy” and expresses frustration over Gaza strategy.
- Putin Critique: Biden describes Putin as “evil” post-Ukraine invasion.
- Release Date: Woodward’s book releases October 15, revealing insider perspectives.
Biden’s Blunt Opinions on Netanyahu, Putin Revealed in Woodward Book
Deep Look:
Renowned journalist Bob Woodward’s forthcoming book, War, unveils President Joe Biden’s frank, and often heated, private opinions of key global leaders, particularly Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Set for release on October 15, the book offers a behind-the-scenes look into Biden’s candid reactions to ongoing global tensions, providing insights into the president’s perspectives on international diplomacy.
In one particularly striking account, Woodward details Biden’s private frustration with Netanyahu, captured during a spring 2024 conversation as the Gaza conflict escalated. “That son of a b****, Bibi Netanyahu, he’s a bad guy,” Biden reportedly told an associate. Biden’s candid views reflect growing frustration with Netanyahu’s handling of the Gaza situation, especially given Biden’s efforts to support Israel publicly while navigating tense U.S.-Israel relations.
The book also covers Biden’s stance on Russian President Vladimir Putin, particularly after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In conversations with his advisors in the Oval Office, Biden reportedly referred to Putin as “evil,” calling him “the epitome of evil.” The intensity of Biden’s feelings was further underscored by national security officials, who at one point estimated a 50% chance that Putin would deploy nuclear weapons in Ukraine. These heightened risks led to urgent communications between U.S. and Russian officials, including a tense call between Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, underscoring the gravity of Biden’s concerns about the situation.
Woodward’s book delves deeper into Biden’s exchanges with Netanyahu amid increasing hostilities in Gaza. In a phone call in April, Biden is said to have questioned Netanyahu’s tactics: “What’s your strategy, man?” expressing frustration with what he saw as escalating tactics in Gaza. Biden also advised restraint after Iran retaliated against Israel for an airstrike in Syria, reportedly telling Netanyahu, “Do nothing.”
However, Biden’s frustrations appear to have intensified as Israel’s military operations continued. In one private conversation following an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, Biden reportedly described Netanyahu as a “fing liar.” Another intense exchange took place in July, after Israel conducted an airstrike in Beirut, during which Biden is said to have forcefully asked Netanyahu,https://www.newslooks.com/bob-woodwards-next-book-war-will-focus-on-conflict-abroad-and-politics-at-home/
Woodward’s War also touches on the administration’s opinions of other Middle Eastern figures. For example, Secretary of State Antony Blinken reportedly referred to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as “nothing more than a spoiled child” after a particularly difficult meeting, adding to the book’s detailed portrait of Biden’s diplomatic challenges.
In addition to Biden’s viewpoints, the book sheds light on the former president’s ties to Putin. Woodward’s reporting claims that former President Donald Trump quietly sent Putin COVID-19 test machines for personal use during the pandemic, underscoring Trump’s unique approach to diplomacy with the Russian leader. Trump also allegedly had several private calls with Putin post-presidency, with as many as seven conversations reported by Woodward.
Woodward’s War promises a revealing look into the complexities and frustrations of U.S. leadership in navigating relationships with high-profile world leaders and challenging conflicts, both past and ongoing. This upcoming release offers readers insight into the candid thoughts of Biden, a president deeply invested in shaping U.S. foreign policy, often in tense or sensitive circumstances.
