US President Joe Biden arrived in Israel on Wednesday afternoon for a two-day visit. This is Biden's 10th visit to Israel since 1973 and his first since taking office in January 2021.
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Air Force One landed at Ben Gurion International Airport at around 3:15 p.m. (local time). Stepping off the plane, the American president was received with a full state ceremony by President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Yair Lapid, and Prime Minister-designate Naftali Bennett.
Israel's top diplomatic corps, including all government ministers, was present at the ceremony as well.
Herzog delivered the first remarks on the tarmac, saying "Welcome our brother Joseph, welcome to Israel and welcome home." He added, "You have been a true friend, and staunch supporter of Israel and the Jewish people, of our security and wellbeing, your entire life. In this visit, you will discuss the security challenges emanating directly from Iran and its proxies."
Lapid then delivered said "Baruch Haba, welcome to Israel," using the Hebrew expression to express welcome, going on to describe the significance of the visit.
"It is historic because it expresses the unbreakable bond between our two countries. Our commitment to shared values: democracy, freedom, and the right of the Jewish people to a state of their own," Lapid said. "It is also a personal visit, because your relationship with Israel has always been personal. You once defined yourself as a Zionist. You said that you don't have to be a Jew to be a Zionist." He added, "You were right, and in your case: A great Zionist and one of the best friends Israel has ever known."
Biden said it was "an honor to be back among friends." He talked about his first visit in Israel in 1973, as a young senator, saying it was a great honor to "be a living part of history."
"This is my tenth visit, and every chance I have to return to this ancient land is a blessing because the connection between the American People and Israeli People is deep," Biden said. "We dream together."
He added, "Now as president, I am proud to say that the relationship is stronger and deeper than it has ever been, and we have reaffirmed our unshakeable commitment to Israel's security."
Biden went on to discuss the prospects for peace and the efforts the US will expend in its pursuit. "We'll discuss my continued support, even though I know it's not in the near term, for a two-state solution, which remains the best way for equal measures of freedom and democracy for Israelis and Palestinians," Biden said. He then concluded with an optimistic message: "May Israel and the US continue to prosper and grow together for the benefit of the entire world."
According to available details about the president's schedule while in Israel, once the welcome ceremony concluded, Biden visited a special area at the airport to inspect Iron Dome and Iron Beam defense systems.
Video: Reuters
He was then to travel to the Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem, after which he will head to the King David Hotel Jerusalem, which the presidential entourage will be staying.
Citing COVID-19 concerns, the White House said Biden will dine at the hotel and not with Lapid or Herzog.
Thursday morning will see Biden meet with Lapid.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan noted Wednesday that talks with Israeli officials will focus on Israel-US strategic ties and the Iranian threat.
He noted that the issue of reopening the US consulate for Palestinian affairs in Jerusalem was also on the agenda, as was the death of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.
US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides was cited by the London-based Asharq Al-Awsat daily as saying that the president plans to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the two-state solution during the visit.
Nides said that there was "no alternative to a two-state solution" and that Washington "is committed to the vision of a Palestinian state living alongside the State of Israel. It is important that Israel, as a Jewish and democratic state, has a vision for this solution."
Also on Thursday, Biden and Lapid are also scheduled to hold a video conference with Lapid, Indian PM Narendra Modi, and UAE leader Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan.
Video: Reuters
Later in the afternoon, Biden is scheduled to visit the President's Residence for a meeting with Herzog, who will present him with Israel's President's Medal – the highest civil honor the state can award.
He will then meet with Opposition Leader Benjamin Netanyahu.
Thursday evening could see Biden meet with US athletes already in Israel for the Maccabiah Games – set to take place from July 14-26. His office said that the decision on that will be made in real-time.
On Friday, Biden is set to travel to Bethlehem to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, and potentially visit the Augusta Victoria Hospital in east Jerusalem – a decisions that will also be taken in real-time.
From Bethlehem, Biden will fly to Ben Gurion airport, for the state ceremony concluding the visit. Air Force One will them take of to Saudi Arabia – the first such direct flight from the Jewish state to the Gulf power.
Israeli security forces deployed en masse Wednesday ahead of the president's visit.
Operation Blue Shield 3 will include over 16,000 police, Shin Bet security agency, and Border police officers, who will maintain public order and coordinate with the US Secret Service.
Specialized command posts have been set up on the ground along the president's projected travel routes and sites.
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