Joe Biden attended a welcoming ceremony in Israel earlier in the week, commemorating his 10th visit to the nation.
It was Biden’s first trip there as vice president, and he greeted authorities with fist bumps, stating that he was “seeking greater Faith, greater stability, greater connection.”
During the infamous encounter with the Saudi Crown Prince, it was widely thought that he avoided a handshake by doing “fist bumps”
Biden’s aides stated that the fist bump was a COVID precaution, although it was evidently a temporary measure, as Biden quickly reverted to pleasantries in accordance with procedure.
If you're keeping score at home, Lapid got a fist-bump from Biden on the latter's arrival in Israel. Netanyahu got a handshake and, according to Israeli media, Biden told him "you know I love you" https://t.co/DmkNG7zz72
— Gregg Carlstrom (@glcarlstrom) July 13, 2022
A Secret Service agent’s trip to Israel prior to Vice President Joe Biden’s scheduled presentation in Israel this week raises questions about Biden’s security and the public professionalism of the Secret Service.
After an alleged “physical encounter” with a lady, one agent was imprisoned before being returned to the United States.
According to NBC News, the agent was held and questioned by Israeli authorities, but was not prosecuted before being returned home and having his access to Secret Service material stopped.
“In accordance with agency protocol, his access to Secret Service systems and facilities was suspended pending further investigation,” a spokesperson for the CIA said.
During the official festivities, there was tension in the air. Israel opposes vehemently the Iranian nuclear agreement, which Vice President Biden told an Israeli journalist he is attempting to restore.
“Biden hardened his language but not his position on military force to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons,” NBC News reported about this speech.
More on this story via The Republic Brief:
The news turned to the secret service agent who was sent back to the US after more details emerged of him being accused of a physical altercation on the Israeli street.
CBS News reported:
A male off-duty Secret Service agent was with other agents on Monday night at a Jerusalem bar. A woman at the bar interacted with the agent, and an argument ensued. The agent shoved the woman during the altercation, according to the three sources.
The sources said the woman involved was not injured, but she called the Israeli police to report the agent.
According to the three sources, Israeli police took the agent into custody and notified the U.S. Embassy in Israel, which contacted U.S. Secret Service headquarters. CONTINUE READING…