Biden's public display of the book may signal a shift in his approach to the Israeli-Palestinian narrative, despite his previous affirmations of Zionism.
The timing of Biden's action, following significant violence in Gaza during his presidency, raises questions about his administration's policies and their impact on the region.
Biden's engagement with Khalidi's work could lead to a more nuanced discussion of US foreign policy in the Middle East.
Increased scrutiny from both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups regarding Biden's stance and actions moving forward.
Biden Holds Controversial Book on Israel-Palestine Conflict
US President Joe Biden was photographed on Friday in Massachusetts holding a copy of "The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonial Conquest and Resistance, 1917-2017" by Rashid Khalidi, a Columbia University professor emeritus. The book critiques the establishment of Israel, describing it as a form of colonialism met with resistance from Palestinians. Khalidi's work delves into the historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the discriminatory policies faced by Palestinians under Israeli governance.
The image of Biden with the book sparked discussions about his stance on Israel, especially given his recent affirmation of his Zionist beliefs during a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Biden stated, "You don’t have to be Jewish to be a Zionist. I am a Zionist," highlighting a complex relationship with the issue. Khalidi remarked that Biden's engagement with the book is "4 years late," referencing the previous administration's policies that intensified the conflict, including the controversial relocation of the US embassy to Jerusalem and the recognition of Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights.
