President Donald Trump arrived in Israel at 12:30 PM Monday, marking the first time a plane has flown directly from Riyadh. Saudi Arabia, to Tel Aviv, Israel.
“We have before us a rare opportunity to bring security and stability and peace to this region and to its people, defeating terrorism and creating a future of harmony, prosperity and peace,” President Trump said to a crowd of dignitaries who welcomed him at Ben Gurion International Airport, adding, “But we can only get there working together.”
Trump pointed out that “on my first trip overseas as president, I have come to the sacred and ancient land to reaffirm the unbreakable bond between the United States and the state of Israel.”
Trump was greeted by Prime Minister Netanyahu, his wife Sarah, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin and his wife Nehama Rivlin, then was introduced by the PM to a long and adoring line of government and other state officials.
The two-day visit there will include meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. Trump will also lay down a wreath at Yad Vashem and a visit to the Western Wall, both in Jerusalem.
Trump’s visit comes on the week Israel is celebrating 50 years since the liberation of Jerusalem from Jordanian occupation.
On Tuesday afternoon, President Trump will leave Israel for the Vatican, where he will meet with the pope.