Biden critical of Netanyahu and calls for ceasefire during meeting with Varadkar
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at a bilateral meeting with President Joe Biden in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire
President Joe Biden has voiced his support for the strong intervention made by US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Israel, during which he harshly criticised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The President also agreed with the Taoiseach's call for a ceasefire in Gaza and a two-state solution during a meeting in the White House.
Asked about senator Schumer's speech President Biden said his staff had been contacted ahead of his comment and went on to describe it as a "good speech".
Mr Schumer, who is the highest-ranking Jewish elected official, told the Senate this week that the Netanyahu government "no longer fits the needs of Israel".
Mr Schumer added that Netanyahu "has been too willing to tolerate the civilian toll in Gaza, which is pushing support for Israel worldwide to historic lows."
Speaking with President Biden in the Oval Office, Leo Varadkar said: "You will know my view that we need to have a ceasefire as soon as possible to get food and medicine in."
Mr Biden said he agreed with the Taoiseach on this.
Mr Varadkar added: "We need to talk about how we can make that happen and move towards a two-State solution, which I think is the only the only way we'll have lasting peace and security."
Nodding his head, the President responded: "I agree."
Mr Biden said: "We're working together to increase humanitarian assistance in Gaza and we both know there's a lot more has to be done."
Turning to Ireland, he said both nations are "united by history, heritage and hope" and he has "never been so optimistic".
He said he always wants to return to Ireland when asked by reporters if another trip to his ancestral home could be on the cards.
He said the Taoiseach's St Patrick's visit to Washington was a "great chance to return some of the hospitality that you provided me when I was in Ireland last".
The president added: "As I said in Belfast last year, we are committed to protecting peace and progress in Northern Ireland, since the Belfast Good Friday Agreement I'm glad to see that Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly are up and running."
On Ukraine, the President jokingly asked Mr Varadkar for his help in lobbying for a $60 billion package which he is working to get passed through the Senate.
"I want to thank you Leo for Ireland's unwavering assistance, Ukraine, including millions of vital humanitarian aid that you provide.
"I'm urging our Congress to do his part to get back in the game, we were able to find another $300 million. But we have a $60 billion package."
He said: "I'm urging, Congress to pass the bipartisan legislation now, it includes a significant amount of humanitarian aid, including to Ukraine and Gaza."
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