Joe Biden Spotted with Controversial Book by Rashid Khalidi Amid Holiday Visit

US President Joe Biden was seen leaving a bookstore in Nantucket, Massachusetts, with a copy of The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917–2017, by Rashid Khalidi. This purchase took place during a holiday visit with his family, coinciding with the start of the Black Friday shopping season.

It is unclear if Biden bought the book or if it was given to him. Media outlets, including Fox News and The New York Post, have contacted the White House for clarification but received no response.

Khalidi, who has been critical of Israeli policies, described Biden’s interest in his book as “four years too late.” His book, published in 2020, offers a controversial view of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, portraying it as a colonial war against the native population. Khalidi’s arguments challenge traditional narratives, drawing both support and criticism.

The book discusses significant events, including the 1917 Balfour Declaration and the 1948 founding of Israel, termed “the destruction of Palestine.” Khalidi likens Israel’s actions to past settler-colonial conflicts and criticizes former President Donald Trump’s policies regarding Israel, labeling them as discriminatory towards Palestinians.

Since the Hamas attacks in October, Khalidi has heightened his criticism, accusing Israel of ethnic cleansing in Gaza and questioning the clarity of their political objectives.

Earlier this year, Biden paused heavy munitions shipments to Israel due to civilian casualty concerns in Gaza. This pause came after the October 7 attacks by Hamas, which sparked Israel’s military response. Pro-Palestinian activists labelled Biden “Genocide Joe,” while pro-Israel advocates expressed dissatisfaction with perceived conditions on U.S. aid to Israel.