Biden tells heckler ‘we need a pause’ in Israel-Hamas war during Minnesota speech

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Joe Biden faced off with a heckler during a campaign event Wednesday in the state of Minnesota who called for an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war.

"As a rabbi, I need you to call for a cease-fire right now," the heckler, identified as Rabbi Jessica Rosenberg, shouted while Biden was speaking.

Biden responded, saying, "I think we need a pause. A pause means give time to get the prisoners out."

"I’m the guy that convinced Bibi to call for a cease-fire to let the prisoners out. I’m the guy that talked to Sisi to convince him to open the (Rafah) door,” he added, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, respectively.

According to White House pool reports, security escorted the heckler out as she continued to chant "Cease-fire now." The audience countered with chants of "Four more years" in support of Biden.

"I understand the emotion," Biden continued.

"This is incredibly complicated for the Israelis. It’s incredibly complicated for the Muslim world as well…I supported a two-state solution, I have from the very beginning.”