EXCLUSIVE: In the ’80s, Joe Biden Speculated to Israel’s PM About Wiping Out Canadians
In 1982, then-Senator Joe Biden met with Israel’s leader amid its bloody invasion of Lebanon. Biden expressed support for the campaign, and even speculated the US would be similarly justified in bombing Canadian cities in retaliation for militant attacks.
Then senator Joe Biden, seated in the Senate Hearing Room, May 11, 1983. (Bettmann / Getty Images)
In 1982, Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin visited Washington, DC. Israel had invaded Lebanon, where various Palestinian factions were then headquartered, and the world was watching bloodshed in the Middle East.
Normally, Israeli prime ministers can expect a warm greeting when they visit the United States. As with Israel’s war in Gaza now, though, some American politicians were angry at the belligerence of Israel’s actions and wanted de-escalation.
Some reports at the time (and since) suggested that one of the angry doves in 1982 was Senator Joseph Biden. The truth seems to be more complicated.
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