In an unforeseen, yet memorable diplomatic exchange on Wednesday, 18th October 2023, President Joe Biden navigated a significant geopolitical crisis, reinforcing the U.S.’ unflinching support for Israel amid the recent tragedy at a Gaza Strip hospital. However, his articulated response was marked by troubling inconsistencies and well-known malapropisms.
Based on multiple video evidences and a wiretap of Hamas operatives, which have since emerged, it’s apparent that the horrible explosion was likely the result of a missile fired by Hamas. This crucial evidence, however, seemingly caught President Biden off balance during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Resorting to a pre-written script and jumbling his way through, President Biden seemed to misstep in characterizing the dire situation, referring to the globally recognized terror organization Hamas as “the other team”. The classification, euphemimsed to such an extent, was certainly alarming considering the gravity of the situation at hand.
Amidst a scenario where the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry was quick to shift blame onto an alleged Israeli airstrike for the calamitous event, the Israeli military offered a different narrative. They firmly rebutted these accusations and instead referenced the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, another extremist faction, as a possible source of the misfired rocket.
However, President Biden’s communication challenges did not overturn the underlying sentiment of his engagement with Prime Minister Netanyahu, showcasing his heartfelt empathy for Israel given the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
Through his gaffes, President Biden expressed his deep anguish over the horrific hospital explosion induced by the conflict. His narrative, while worrying in syntax, was anchored in a strong sympathy with pain-stricken Israelis. Recounting the traumatic October 7th attack that heartbreakingly claimed the lives of numerous innocent individuals, including children, Biden drew attention to the shared grief among Americans alike.
Responding to Biden’s remarks, Netanyahu warmly thanked the President for standing by Israel in these trying times. He applauded Biden for recognizing the grave situation and appealed for international unity in the combat against Hamas.
With concerns escalating of a potential conflict intensification along Israel’s northern border with Hezbollah, Biden’s diplomatic outreach served as a testament to the U.S.’ enduring solidarity with Israel. Regardless of the President’s rhetorical missteps, this commitment to an invaluable ally remained apparent. Nonetheless, the incident highlights the pressing need for measured and unambiguous language while deliberating serious international issues, especially involving recognized terrorist organizations such as Hamas.
