US President Joe Biden landed today (Wednesday) at Ben Gurion Airport and made his first visit to Israel in office. He was received warmly and looked excited to arrive in Israel: "It is a great honor to arrive here," Biden said.
Joe Biden with President Herzog, Prime Minister Lapid, Opposition Leader Netanyahu and Cabinet Ministers, Photo: Kobi Gideon / GPO
Biden, who has visited the country nine times as a senator and vice president, has done so for the tenth time - this time as president of the United States.
Joe Biden lands in Israel, Photo: EP
At Ben Gurion Airport, Biden met with Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog, Prime Minister Yair Lapid, Deputy Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Opposition Leader Benjamin Netanyahu.
Reception for President Biden at Ben Gurion Airport, Photo: Kobi Gideon - GPO
"We will deepen the ties"
During his stay at Ben Gurion Airport, the American president spoke and mentioned the two-state idea he supports: "The two-state solution remains the best for Israelis and Palestinians."
Biden and Torch, Photo: EPI
We will deepen our ties for peace and stability, which are critical for all the peoples of the region, "the American president concluded.
President to President.
Biden and Herzog at Ben Gurion Airport, Photo: Haim Tzach GPO
"Great Zionist"
President Herzog greeted Biden: "Mr. President, Welcome to Israel, our brother Joseph. The people of Israel welcome you to the Holy Land, with open arms and a happy heart."
PM Lapid, Deputy Prime Minister Bennett, President Herzog, Opposition Leader Netanyahu and Cabinet Ministers, Photo: Reuters
Prime Minister Lapid also congratulated Biden: "A personal and historic visit that emphasizes our commitment to shared values."
Joe Biden descends from Air Force 1, Photo: EPI
"This is a personal visit, because your relationship with Israel has always been personal. You once defined yourself as a Zionist. You said that you do not have to be a Jew to be a Zionist.
Iron Dome presented to President Biden, Photo: Reuters
"You were right, and in your case: a great Zionist and one of the best friends Israel has ever had. You have not been here for several years, so in the coming days you will see how Israel has grown and developed.
Israelis accept Biden,
"You will see the power and sophistication of the IDF, the creativity of the start-up nation and the diversity of Israeli society."
"Friendly and open"
President Biden later visited Yad Vashem, and looked excited as he wore a kippah on his head.
The American president lit a candle in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, and later leaned over two survivors and talked to them for several minutes.
Biden sheds a tear, Photo: AFP
Rina Quint, an 86-year-old Holocaust survivor, spoke with Biden after the ceremony at Yad Vashem, and told Israel Today: "Biden told me that he taught his children about the Holocaust, which is a terrible thing.
Biden talks to the survivors, Photo: EP
"Before the meeting with him, I was warned not to get too close to him, but he asked us to stay seated, came to me and bent down to us and also kissed my cheek," she said with a smile.
Biden at Yad Vashem, Photo: Kobi Gideon / GPO
She added: "The meeting with him was very exciting. President Biden is the most powerful person in the world and was really friendly and open to me. He treated me as an equal to him and that was great."
Herzog, Biden, Lapid and Gantz at Yad Vashem, Photo: Kobi Gideon / GPO
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