Biden Discusses Gaza Conflict During Hanukkah Reception
President Joe Biden’s remarks at Monday’s White House Hanukkah reception have sparked yet another round of scrutiny, particularly over his claim that he had personally “gotten over 100 hostages out” of Gaza. The president’s statement came as he reflected on the horror of Hamas’s brutal October 7th attack on Israel, where over 1,200 innocent Israelis were slaughtered, with countless others enduring torture, sexual assault, and the trauma of being abducted into Gaza.
Biden’s assertion, while dramatic, doesn’t align with the facts. To date, 117 hostages have been returned to Israel: eight were rescued through high-risk operations carried out by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), 105 were released during the negotiated ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and four were freed independently by their captors. There is no evidence that the president’s direct intervention orchestrated these outcomes.
BREAKING: At the White House Hanukkah reception, Biden claimed he has “gotten over 100 hostages out” from Gaza — which is obviously a lie. pic.twitter.com/5lVDZiVEe0
— Jake Schneider (@jacobkschneider) December 17, 2024
Critics were quick to pounce, accusing Biden of exaggerating his influence to burnish his leadership credentials. Andrew Follett minced no words in his response: “To be clear, Biden is lying.” Such blunt critiques echo the frustrations of those who believe the president’s rhetoric often prioritizes optics over accuracy, particularly when the stakes are so high.
The president’s controversial statement comes on the heels of yet another eyebrow-raising claim he made over the weekend. At a Democratic National Committee (DNC) holiday reception, Biden boasted that his administration—and his 2020 campaign—were “basically scandal free.” Given the mounting questions around his cognitive fitness, the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, and ethical concerns surrounding his family’s dealings, critics argue that Biden’s claim is not only false but boldly detached from reality.
BREAKING: At the White House Hanukkah reception, Biden claimed he has “gotten over 100 hostages out” from Gaza — which is obviously a lie. pic.twitter.com/5lVDZiVEe0
— Jake Schneider (@jacobkschneider) December 17, 2024
The president’s tendency to blur facts with political spin has grown increasingly pronounced, especially as he navigates intense scrutiny over both his administration’s performance and his reelection prospects.
As for the hostage situation, the grim reality remains: over 130 captives are still believed to be in Hamas’s grasp, enduring unimaginable horrors while their families wait in agony. Biden’s self-congratulation offers little comfort to those still suffering or those who seek clear, factual leadership in this devastating crisis.
BREAKING: At the White House Hanukkah reception, Biden claimed he has “gotten over 100 hostages out” from Gaza — which is obviously a lie. pic.twitter.com/5lVDZiVEe0
— Jake Schneider (@jacobkschneider) December 17, 2024