When did Jill Biden start setting America’s Israel policy?
When did the first lady start influencing US policy towards Israel or any other matter?
President Biden’s statements during this week’s White House Ramadan dinner about the first lady expressing that Israel’s war on Hamas “has got to stop” has raised eyebrows. There are varying accounts of the exact words used, with one attendee recalling Joe saying Jill told him to “stop it. Stop it now.”
The White House has affirmed that both the president and the First Lady are on the same page, with a spokesperson stating that they both share a deep concern over the attacks in Gaza. President Biden seems to have shared this anecdote to strengthen his stance on pressuring Israel to protect civilians in Gaza, even hinting at aid cuts if necessary.
Despite this, there are doubts about the authenticity of the president’s remarks, especially since they align with pro-Hamas rhetoric, potentially harming Israel’s image. It’s possible that President Biden is using this narrative to bolster his own reputation, rather than genuinely critiquing Israel’s actions which he may have no issue with in private.
Speculation also arises about the influence of Jill Biden on the president, as she is perceived to be more left-leaning than him. Given her background in education, which often leans towards liberal ideologies, it’s possible that she may be pushing the president in a more cautious direction.
The question of Jill’s influence over Joe, who is noticeably aging, is a valid one, especially if she is echoing the sentiments of the White House staff. Only time will tell if any future revelations shed light on this dynamic, but for now, it seems that President Biden’s words only add to the growing reasons for considering a change in leadership come November.
