WASHINGTON, DC: In the midst of escalating tensions surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict, the White House has addressed pro-Palestinian protesters who have been chanting "Genocide Joe" at President Joe Biden. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby emphasized that such language is "inappropriate" to describe Israel's actions in the ongoing conflict.
The chants, echoed by thousands of demonstrators in New York City and Washington, DC, have become a focal point of criticism against President Biden's support for Israel's war against the Hamas group.
White House acknowledges First Amendment rights
Kirby, speaking to reporters on Monday, acknowledged the right to free speech but stressed that the term "genocide" is being used in an inappropriate manner.
"We're not worried about nicknames and bumper stickers. I mean, it's First Amendment free speech," Kirby stated, highlighting the president's focus on supporting Israel against Hamas while addressing humanitarian concerns and hostage situations.
“The president’s focused on, as he wrote his [Washington Post] op-ed, on making sure that we can continue to support Israel as they fight a terrible terrorist group, Hamas, and as we all work together to get humanitarian assistance in and get people out, including hostages,” Kirby said.
Kirby, a former Pentagon spokesman, grew more impassioned, asserting that Hamas is the party with genocidal intentions.
“People can say what they want on the sidewalk and we respect that, that’s what the First Amendment is about — but this word ‘genocide’ is getting thrown around in a pretty inappropriate way by lots of different folks," he said, pointing to the surprise attack on southern Israel by Hamas on October 7, resulting in numerous casualties, including Americans.
Kirby emphasized that Hamas openly aims to wipe Israel off the map and continues to pose a genocidal threat.
“They want to wipe Israel off the map. They’ve said so publicly on more than one occasion — in fact, just recently. And they’ve said that they’re not going to stop [and] what happened on the seventh of October is going to happen again and again and again,” he said. “And what happened on the seventh of October? Murder, slaughter of innocent people in their homes or at a music festival. That’s genocidal intentions."
The spokesperson acknowledged civilian casualties in Gaza but underscored that Israel's actions aim at self-defense rather than wiping out the Palestinian people. He urged responsible use of the term "genocide."
"Yes, there are too many civilian casualties in Gaza. Yes, the numbers are too high. Yes, too many families are grieving. And yes, we continue to urge Israelis to be as careful and cautious as possible. That’s not going to stop, from the president right on down," Kirby said.
“But Israel is not trying to wipe the Palestinian people off the map. Israel’s not trying to wipe Gaza off the map. Israel is trying to defend itself against a genocidal terrorist threat … If we’re gonna start using that word, fine. Let’s use it appropriately," the spokesperson concluded, as quoted by the New York Post.
Social media reactions
The social media sphere quickly became a battleground for contrasting opinions. Some criticized the White House's stance.
"You reap what you sow," one posted on X (formerly Twitter).
"We are tired of Genocide Joe," another wrote.
"I didn’t realize he was given that nickname," someone else added.
On the contrary, some defended Kirby's comments.
"People need to get a grip, he is not responsible for Israel’s actions," one reacted.
"Kirby is right on the money," someone else chimed in.
"White House ain't brutal, they just spittin' facts. Squad need to chill and stop hatin' on Israel," another offered.
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, who accused Biden of supporting "the genocide of the Palestinian people" earlier this month, faced censure from the House of Representatives. The censure, supported by 22 Democrats and most Republicans, showcased the divisive nature of the discourse around the conflict.
Polls reflect disapproval of Biden's handling
Recent polls indicate that while a majority of Americans support Israel in the conflict, President Biden's handling of the crisis has received poor marks.
An NBC poll released on Sunday revealed that only 34% of registered voters approved of Biden's management of the Gaza conflict. Additionally, an increasing number of Americans, 47%, felt Israel's actions were justified, while 30% believed Israel had gone "too far."
A Harvard CAPS-Harris poll released on Monday showed that overall, 80% of Americans support Israel in its conflict with Hamas. However, support among younger voters was notably lower, with only 55% of 18-24-year-olds backing Israel in the war.
