President Biden is greeted at King Abdulaziz International Airport in the coastal city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He was then greeted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.
Mandel Ngan / AFP via Getty Images
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Mandel Ngan / AFP via Getty Images
President Biden is greeted at King Abdulaziz International Airport in the coastal city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He was then greeted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.
Mandel Ngan / AFP via Getty Images
President Biden’s love of personal touch, hugs and bartender handshakes, is being closely watched during his trip to the Middle East. Two encounters became the focus of interest in his handshakes: Biden’s offer (who declined) to shake an Israeli woman’s hand and how he handled his interactions with the Crown Prince. Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman.
Biden meets the crown prince of Saudi Arabia on Friday
Biden’s commitment to human rights is under scrutiny during his trip to Saudi Arabia, especially his meeting with bin Salman, who the US said approved an operation in Saudi Arabia. Istanbul, Turkey, ends with the gruesome murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents in 2018.
Bin Salman personally welcomed Biden to Al-Salam Palace on Friday – and the two shared a snap of hands holding hands that was quickly captured by numerous photographers.
In doing so, Biden completed his departure from the position he had campaigned for: that he would treat Saudi Arabia as a “bad guy” because of its record of human rights abuses.
The President also followed the White House script set out earlier this week, said that during the trip, Biden would refrain from shaking hands. The policy, which the White House says is due to COVID-19, quickly raises questions about whether it is intended to provide a ready explanation for the US President to avoid shaking hands with the crown prince of Saudi Arabia. .
“My position on Khashoggi has been made absolutely clear,” Biden said on Thursday when a journalist asked about his upcoming meeting with bin Salman. “I have never been silent when it comes to human rights.”
Biden continued, the reason for the visit was “much broader” – to bolster US influence in the region and advance American interests by meeting with the rulers of the oil-rich kingdom. However, he added, he would not shy away from bringing up human rights issues.
A singer rejects Biden’s open hand
The White House’s breakthrough strategy is under immediate pressure in Israelwhere Biden greeted old acquaintances with handshakes and hugged Holocaust survivors, even giving them a kiss on the cheek.
But on Thursday, Biden’s attempt to greet Israeli singer Yuval Dayan after she performed for the presidential delegation created an awkward moment. The US President was empty-handed when he came to Dayan – who for religious reasons should avoid physical contact with men.
Biden immediately gestured to Dayan and fellow singer Ran Danker as they concluded their duet “Lu Yehi” or “Let It Be,” to greet the couple. The American leader quickly shook hands with Danker, but when he extended his hand toward Dayan, she interlaced her hands and smiled at him, bowing slightly. After a pause, Biden withdrew his hand.
Dayan is shomeret negiya (“protection from touching”), a Jewish concept that requires her not to touch the members of the opposite sex, even for handshakes, with a few exceptions (for example, for close family members).
Her refusal to shake Biden’s hand quickly went viral online; after the event, Dayan wrote on Instagram that she was worried about whether such an incident might arise, adding that she had told everyone involved in organizing Biden’s visit that she was not willing to shake hands with a man.
Dayan said she didn’t intend to offend or embarrass the US president, saying she was just trying to maintain her self-worth. Given the dilemma he faces in dealing with the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, it’s possible Biden could be contacted.
