Legendary journalist Bob Woodward reveals shocking behind-the-scenes moments in the White House in his new book, War

Woodward reports President Joe Biden’s harsh remarks about world leaders, from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Russian President Vladimir Putin. “That son of a b—-, Bibi Netanyahu, he’s a bad guy,” Biden said about the Israeli prime minister in the spring of 2024 when Israel’s war in Gaza continued to intensify. 

The book also discusses the tumultuous relationship between Netanyahu and Biden over how Israel was conducting the war in Gaza. Biden knew Netanyahu had no strategy. In April, when Israel launched a strike in Syria that killed a top general in the Iranian guard corps, which caused Iran to launch 100 missiles, the U.S. and other allies had to come to their defense. 

Biden advised Netanyahu not to retaliate, but the Israeli leader disregarded him. “Bibi, what the f—?” Biden yelled at the prime minister after an Israeli airstrike in July killed a top Hezbollah military commander and three civilians. To this, Netanyahu responded, saying he had seen and taken an opportunity. “The harder you hit, the more successful you’re going to be in negotiation,” he said. 

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of political news in your in-box.
We find the news you need to know, so you don't have to.

The book reveals in-the-room accounts of critical moments Biden encountered with his national security team during crises worldwide. 

The book also reveals former President Donald Trump’s private conversations with Putin and a secret shipment of Covid-19 testing equipment sent to the Russian president for his use at the height of the pandemic when Americans were unable to get them. Trump denies the allegations in the book. 

Woodward reports that the U.S. obtained valuable intelligence leading up to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Biden and his advisers knew the plan but did not believe it would happen. When CIA Director Bill Burns told Biden of Putin’s plans, he responded, “This would be so crazy.” 

Biden confronted Putin about the information in December 2021 in a video conference and a heated 50-minute call, during which Putin threatened a nuclear war. Vice President Kamala Harris advised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to take precautions, but he dismissed the intelligence.

During the height of the pandemic, Trump sent Putin a shipment of Abbott Point of Care COVID test machines for himself. “Please don’t tell anybody you sent these to me,” Putin said to Trump, who responded that he didn’t care. 

Woodward also reported that Trump has kept in contact with Putin since leaving office, which Trump also denies. 

War is filled with new details of high-risk showdowns. The book includes battles Biden has faced during his presidency, detailing his decision to withdraw from the 2024 campaign race and conversations about his troubled son, Hunter Biden.

Read more about:

Get the free uPolitics mobile app for the latest political news and videos

iPhone Android

Leave a comment

Janae Antrum

Article by Janae Antrum