(AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Former Barack Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau says President Joe Biden should not be praised for feeling angry in private about seven aid workers being killed in Gaza.
The seven aid workers were trying to deliver aid to Gaza through the World Central Kitchen organization, which has provided millions of hot meals in Gaza while facing Israeli attacks. The aid workers worked with IDF before their trip, but were killed in an Israeli strike. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it “unfortunate.” He also stated that “it happens in war,” a comment that has been strongly criticized, including by World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés.
Jon Favreau criticized Biden for appearing “weak” in response to a Politico report which indicates that Biden will not change his policy on Israel, despite feeling private outrage over civilian deaths in Gaza. White House spokesperson John Kirby pointed out that over 200 aid workers have been killed in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas conflict. Thousands of civilians have also died.
Favreau, who is now a co-host on the Pod Save America podcast, wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “The President doesn’t gain appreciation for being “privately enraged” when he still refuses to use influence to stop the IDF from killing and starving innocent people.” These stories only make him look weak.”
The President doesn't get credit for being "privately enraged" when he still refuses to use leverage to stop the IDF from killing and starving innocent people. These stories only make him look weak.https://t.co/9UbQpPtYXZ
— Jon Favreau (@jonfavs) April 3, 2024
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on Tuesday that Biden called Andrés after the aid workers were killed and vowed he would “make clear” that aid workers must be protected.
In a Wednesday New York Times op-ed, Andrés urged for major changes in Israel’s handling of the war. Netanyahu has rejected calls for a ceasefire, insisting the war will not end until Hamas is eliminated. Hamas, which U.S. officials have said purposefully use civilians as human shields, attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing more than 1,000 and kidnapping hundreds.
The president has resisted increasing demands for a ceasefire, but acknowledged Israel needs to do more to prevent civilian casualties. Many Democratic voters have taken to casting protest votes in Democratic primaries where they refuse to vote for Biden or anyone else. In Michigan, more than 100,000 people voted “uncommitted” over the president to protest his Israel policies.
