President Biden lashed out at an Israeli journalist on Tuesday after the reporter inquired about the likelihood of securing a hostage deal before his term ends in January.
“Do you think we can get a hostage deal by the end of your term?” Neria Kraus from Israel Channel 13 asked the 81-year-old Biden ahead of his scheduled meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
With visible irritation, Biden responded sharply, “Do you think you can keep from getting hit in the head by a — a camera behind you?”
WATCH:
Kraus captured the moment on video, stifling a laugh as Biden swiftly shifted focus to his meeting with Herzog, whom he described as “a personal friend.”
The president, nearing the end of his tenure, has frequently clashed with reporters who ask questions that seem to unsettle him.
For example, in May, when asked by a reporter if he planned to complete his second term, Biden retorted, “Did you fall on your head or something?”
Biden’s re-election bid ended abruptly on July 21, just weeks later.
Throughout his presidency, Biden and his administration have aimed for a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, all while attempting to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
They had hoped to reach an agreement before the November 5 presidential election, thinking it might help ease some of the internal rifts within the progressive camp over the Israel-Hamas war.
At various points, Biden has voiced optimism about securing a deal, while at others, he has publicly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for not doing enough to push for it.
The Biden administration has recently taken a more forceful stance, blaming Hamas for obstructing the chances of reaching a deal.
“Hamas has said no,” national security adviser Jake Sullivan stated during an appearance on CBS News’ Face the Nation this past Sunday.
“What we need to do is get the rest of the world to continue to increase pressure on Hamas to come to the table, to do a deal in Gaza, because the Israeli government has said it’s prepared to take a temporary step in that direction.”
Last month, Israeli forces targeted and killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in the southern Gazan city of Rafah, a stronghold for the terror group. Biden described the death of Sinwar as the removal of an “insurmountable obstacle to achieving all of those goals.”
In his Oval Office meeting, Herzog brought up the ongoing hostage situation.
“In Gaza, we have 101 hostages. Over 400 days, I know, Mr. President, that you are day-in, day-out, actively seeking their safe return home as they are going through hell in the dungeons of Gaza,” Herzog said.
“Clearly, you’re thinking and working about the day after as well, which perhaps should be a trajectory of hope to the people of the region and the ability to have our neighbors, as well as us, live in security and peace,” Herzog continued. “But first and foremost, we have to get the hostages back home.”
{Matzav.com}
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