Biden Recalls Early Ties with Israel, Jokes about Age during Netanyahu Visit

President Biden chuckled about his lengthy history with Israeli leaders during a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, claiming to have met Golda Meir when he was just 12 years old.

President Joe Biden engaged in a lighthearted moment during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reminiscing about his early encounters with Israeli leaders and making a jest about his age.

As Netanyahu acknowledged Biden's 40-year acquaintance with the Israeli prime minister and 50-year history of supporting Israel, the president responded with a chuckle.

Biden Recalls Early Ties with Israel, Jokes about Age during Netanyahu Visit

"Mr. President," Biden said, "I've known every prime minister from Golda Meir. So, from a proud Jewish Zionist to a proud Irish-American Zionist, I want to thank you for 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the State of Israel."

Biden's jest, however, was not entirely accurate. Despite claiming to have first met Meir and her aide, Yitzhak Rabin, when he was 12 years old, he actually met them in 1973, as a 30-year-old senator. Biden has frequently recounted this meeting in the past, but his claim that he was 12 at the time was a playful exaggeration.

Biden Recalls Early Ties with Israel, Jokes about Age during Netanyahu Visit

His comment sparked amusement in the Oval Office, prompting Netanyahu to smile. The revelation also served as a testament to Biden's long-standing relationship with Israel, which he has consistently supported throughout his career.

However, the meeting was not without its controversies. As Biden and Netanyahu exchanged pleasantries, reporters shouted questions about a potential cease-fire and anti-Israel protests that had taken place in the wake of Netanyahu's address to Congress. Both leaders ignored these questions, opting to focus on their discussion.

Biden Recalls Early Ties with Israel, Jokes about Age during Netanyahu Visit

Outside the White House, demonstrators gathered to denounce the Israeli government's policies, some waving flags of the Hamas militant group and chanting slogans. Netanyahu vehemently criticized the protesters during his address, labeling them "Iran's useful idiots."

The Biden administration has expressed a desire to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Gaza, where conflict has escalated in recent days. The meeting between Biden and Netanyahu provided an opportunity to discuss this and other pressing issues affecting the region.

Biden Recalls Early Ties with Israel, Jokes about Age during Netanyahu Visit

Despite the historical inaccuracies in Biden's recollection, his meeting with Netanyahu underscored his deep commitment to the US-Israel relationship, which has remained strong throughout his tenure.