Laughter filled the US State Department media briefing room on Monday when a journalist's clever remark about America's interference in other nations caught a senior Biden administration official off guard.
During the press briefing led by State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, Associated Press diplomatic writer Matt Lee injected a humorous remark, drawing on the notion that interventionism is ingrained in American foreign policy.Â
The lighthearted moment occurred as Miller was responding to a question posed by Assal Rad from the National Iranian American Council about the US's influence on Israel amid the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Miller emphasized Israel's sovereignty in decision-making, prompting Lee's witty interruption: "Unless we invade them."
The room erupted in laughter, with Miller eventually joining in after trying to maintain a serious demeanor. He acknowledged Lee's quip with a "good one, Matt," before playfully dismissing further jesting with a quip about a stand-up comedy routine.
Despite the jovial atmosphere, Miller reiterated the US's commitment to presenting proposals for peace and security while respecting Israel's autonomy in decision-making. The exchange underscored the ongoing debate within the Biden administration and among lawmakers about how best to influence Israel's actions in the Gaza conflict.
