Biden, 81, issues stern warning to Israel and Hezbollah as Middle East heads for all-out war in final speech to UN reflecting on painful decision to step down
President Joe Biden defended his legacy in his final address to the United Nations General Assembly, speaking about his painful decision to step down.
But he also looked to the future while issuing a stern warning about war in the Middle East and urging continued support for Ukraine.
He sounded wistful as he spoke of his decision to step down as leader of the free world.
“This summer I was faced with the decision of whether or not to seek a second term as president. It was a difficult decision. Being president has been the honor of my life. There is so much more I want to do,” he said.
“While I love my job, I love my country even more. I have decided that after 50 years of public service, it is time for a new generation of leaders to take my country forward.”
“My fellow leaders, let us never forget that some things are more important than staying in power. It is you, the people, who matter most. Never forget that we are here to serve the people, not the other way around.”
The UN body, which also included leaders such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, gave him prolonged applause.
“My fellow leaders, let us never forget that some things are more important than staying in power. It is you people who matter most,” he told the UN General Assembly.
Biden began his speech by noting the solemn moment.
“Today marks the fourth time I have had the great honor of speaking to this assembly as President of the United States. It will be my last,” he said.
He began his nearly 25-minute speech by defending his handling of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, which left 13 Americans dead, and discussing how the world is recovering from the COVID pandemic.
He also reflected on his years in the public sector and spoke about the events he had experienced, including the Vietnam War and the September 11 attacks.
He then turned to the future, calling for peace in the Middle East.
“It is now time for the parties to set the terms, bring the hostages home and ensure the security of Israel and Gaza, be free from the grip of Hamas, alleviate the suffering in Gaza and end this war. October 7,” he said.
“Since October 7, we have been determined to prevent a broader war affecting the entire region,” he said.
His warning came after Israel expanded its airstrikes on Lebanon on Monday, killing nearly 500 people and wounding more than 1,600 in what appeared to be the start of a broader military campaign.
Israel said it was targeting “terrorists” linked to Hezbollah, the group that fires rockets at Israel.
“Our task, our test, is to ensure that the forces that hold us together are stronger than the forces that pull us apart,” Biden said. “I truly believe that we are at a new turning point in world history. Because the choices we make today will determine our future for decades to come.”
President Joe Biden reflected on his decision to step down as president
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky listens to Biden’s speech at the UN
The president also doubled down on his support for Ukraine. He delivered his speech in the shadow of the presidential election. His vice president, Kamala Harris, is expected to maintain much of his foreign policy.
However, there are concerns about US support for the war in Ukraine if Donald Trump wins.
Biden and Harris will meet separately with Zelensky at the White House on Thursday.
But the president told the UN that Russian President Vladimir Putin has “failed” in his pursuit of Ukraine.
“Putin’s war has not achieved its main goal,” he said.
“But we cannot give up. The world must now make another choice: do we continue to support Ukraine to win? …. I know my answer. We must not get tired. We cannot look away and we will not give up our support for Ukraine.”
The UN Security Council will convene a session on Ukraine on Tuesday, with Zelensky expected to share a new peace proposal and a call for more military support to launch attacks deeper into Russia.
President Biden at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly
Biden, who advocates democracy and sees Trump as a threat to democracy, also explicitly warned against dictators.
“We must ensure that the great potential of AI is used to uplift and empower ordinary people, not to make dictators more powerful,” he said.
He did not name his Republican rival.
After finishing his speech and being cheered by leaders, Biden touched his heart and walked away from the podium.