Israel Owes a Big Thank You to Joe Biden - Avi Shamir blog [View all]

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Now that you passed the baton, and with all due anticpation of your unsteady replacement, it is worth recalling all you have done for Israel during your term in office:

First and foremost, your tireless efforts to free the Israeli hostages. It has been an uphill struggle, partly because of the heavy price that Hamas demands in exchange for their release, mostly because the beleaguered Israeli prime minister has done everything to put off their release, which would ultimately spell the demise of his extremist nationalist government. Indeed, one contentious minister has already resigned over the phased hostage deal that is now in place. If your plan is carried out, all the hostages will return home and your sneering successor will claim bragging rights. In truth, just before the end of your watch three young Israeli women were freed from the terror tunnels and brought back to their families, in no small part thanks to you, Mr. Biden.

As an American ex-pat living in Israel, I am proud of the way you handled your announcement to the press on the eve of the hostage deal. With composure, you stated clearly that your team of negotiators is working closely with your successor’s team, “because that’s what American presidents do.” It is no secret that you and Donald Trump harbor feelings of deep mutual disrespect. In 2020, Trump didn’t exactly welcome you to the Oval Office after he falsely accused you of stealing the elections. Thank you, Mr. Biden, for setting aside your enmity with Trump, staying focused on the release of the Israeli hostages and restoring to America the smooth transition of power. With the second coming of Trump, it may be the last time we ever see it.

Your friendship with Israel goes back many years, and you have proven it more than once over the past four years:

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https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/israel-owes-a-big-thank-you-to-joe-biden/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Avi Shamir is a freelance writer, editor, translator and the author of "Saving the Game," a novel about baseball. A Brooklyn College graduate with a BA in English, Avi has contributed to the Jerusalem Post, The Nation, Israel Scene, In English and The World Zionist Press Service.