Biden faces Irish backlash over Israel-Hamas war ahead of St. Patrick's Day event with Ireland's leader

This St. Patrick's Day will see all of the customary White House traditions: Green ties will be worn, grip-and-grin photo opportunities between diplomats will be had, and a bowl of shamrocks will be presented to President Biden by Ireland's leader, Leo Varadkar, as he visits the White House before a traditional lunch with congressional leaders Friday. 

But amid the pomp and pageantry to mark St. Patrick's Day, which is on Sunday, the diplomatic discussions at this year's festivities may have a certain edge to them, as public fury rises in Ireland over President Biden's stance on the Israel-Hamas war. There will be pressure on the Irish delegation from their constituents and elected officials back at home to call out what they see as American complicity in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians.

Varadkar, Ireland's prime minister, or Taoiseach, as he's called in the Irish language, has spent the week in the U.S. and, while he's been quick to compliment Mr. Biden ahead of the two men's first bilateral meeting on Friday, Varadkar has also been assertive in pushing Ireland's position when it comes to the war in Gaza.