US - Israel Relations: Joe Biden Rejects Criticism That Israel Is An 'Apartheid State'

In his first visit to Israel, President Joe Biden on Wednesday dismissed some Democrats' critical comments of the country's treatment of Palestinians.

Biden was interviewed by Israeli broadcaster N12 News and asked to share his views about progressives who refer to Israel as an "apartheid state" over its treatment of the Palestinians.

In March 2017, the U.N. Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia published a report that accused Israel of imposing an “apartheid regime” of racial discrimination on Palestinians. Some Democrats have advocated for Washington to end unconditional military aid to Israel.

Biden made clear that he does not share those Democrats' views on Israel.

"There are a few of them. I think they’re wrong. I think they’re making a mistake,” he said. “Israel is a democracy. Israel is our ally. Israel is a friend.”

Biden has never made much of a secret of his positive view of Israel. As vice president, he was an important interlocutor in the frosty relationship between former President Barack Obama and former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a Washington Post op-ed prior to his Middle East trip, Biden also touted his administration for approving a $4 billion aid package for Israel as the "largest in history."

At the same time, Biden has walked a tightrope in his approach to Israel.

Israel’s government is currently led by a caretaker prime minister in former Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and is slated to enter its fifth election in four years. During his trip, Biden is expected to briefly meet with Netanyahu, but his administration has silently sought to preserve Israel’s current government lest Netanyahu returns to power.

“We’re committed to the state, not an individual leader,” Biden said.

The administration has also restored U.S. support to the Palestinians by pledging a reopening of its consulate in East Jerusalem, as well as aid to the Palestinian Authority.

Some Democratic House members — they include Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, and Cori Bush of Missouri — have all staked out positions critical of Israel’s policies toward Palestinians.

Biden has remained determined to reinstitute the 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal, which Israel staunchly opposed.

Former President Donald Trump pulled out of the deal in May 2018. Biden called the move a "gigantic mistake," as Iran has moved closer to producing a nuclear weapon.

“The only thing worse than the Iran that exists now is an Iran with nuclear weapons," Biden said.