President Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict has come under growing criticism, with pro-Palestinian protesters making their voices heard during his Thanksgiving vacation in Nantucket. Despite seeking reprieve from the demands of running the country, Biden could not escape the reminders of the troubles awaiting him. The protesters managed to track him down twice on Friday, shouting slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “Biden, Biden, you can’t hide. We charge you with genocide!” Although the president focused on greeting members of a children’s choir during the incidents, the protesters made it clear that his staunch support for Israel has come at a price.
The war in the Gaza Strip has divided Biden’s party, as younger voters and members stand in favor of the Palestinian people who have suffered heavy casualties during Israel’s ground invasion. This divide has affected Biden’s polling numbers, with recent surveys showing former President Trump beating him in a hypothetical general match-up for the first time in the network’s poll history.
Biden’s Thanksgiving vacation had to be delayed as he attended multiple briefings with national security aides. These briefings updated him on the progress of the four-day ceasefire and the release of the first phase of hostages by Hamas as part of their agreement with Israel. Despite the interruptions, Biden managed to spend time with his family, including having lunch and visiting local shops in Nantucket.
The Bidens’ Thanksgiving celebrations took place at the residence of billionaire David Rubenstein, a long-time friend of the family. Rubenstein’s lavish coastal property on Abram’s Point includes several guest houses, a tennis court, a hot tub, and a pool. The total value of the property is estimated to be over $34 million.
Critics argue that Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict has damaged his standing among both his party’s pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian bases. As the president continues to face criticism, it remains to be seen how his approach to the conflict will evolve and whether it will impact his administration’s future policies.
