The talk of the day among those who labored over President Joe Biden's visit, in the best of Israeli cynicism, was the service of the distinguished guest.
The 79-year-old Biden (November 80; A.K.) looks elderly, moves slowly, maintains a ventilated schedule, underestimates social contacts "because of the corona," and here and there confuses words or swallows them.
46th US President Joe Biden lands in Israel: "The two-state solution remains the best for Israelis and Palestinians" // Photo: Reuters
At Ben Gurion Airport yesterday, he did not respond to an Israeli-American officer who was invited to tell him her story. Later, when he, Lapid, Ganz and Kochavi, came to watch the laser system, "Magen Or", Biden simply ignored the prime minister.
>> From a meeting with Lapid and Netanyahu to Maccabiah: The schedule for Biden's second day in Israel <<
Ganz was the one who talked to the president for long minutes.
He answered the president's questions, received pats on the back and a variety of smiles.
Lapid stood there as someone who did not belong to the event, and needless to say, the defense minister did not make an effort to include his bitter rival in the conversation.
Smiles and pats on the shoulder.
President Biden with Defense Minister Ganz at Ben Gurion Airport, Photo: AFP
But what about Biden?
Have you forgotten who is leading Israel?
Why were the soldiers standing a meter away from him unable to hear what he was saying?
On the other hand, in the speech he delivered at the ceremony he did sound clear and distinct.
Biden also updated his speech at the last minute, in line with what he said Lapid a few minutes before him.
That is, it cannot be argued that he is not in matters.
As hosts for a moment, we Israelis do not have to answer the question - we have enough troubles of our own.
It should also be remembered that America knew downright unhealthy presidents.
Like Roosevelt and Reagan at the end of their tenures.
Update your speech at the last minute.
President Biden at Ben Gurion Airport,
Either way, under the blazing sun, in the first part of the reception everyone - except Biden, by the way - cut things short, to catch a shadow.
The security display, on the other hand, extended beyond what was planned.
During the secret inspection, the Ministry of Defense made a loud noise in the press compound, so that particularly sensitive microphones would not record what was said in the closed tent, 20 meters away.
Next came the tour among Iron Dome missiles, magic wand, arrow and everything else.
It was already a real celebration.
Biden, who walked around the place for long minutes, was thrilled to see the wonders of Israeli-made science fiction.
Decades of defense industries around the world have tried and failed to develop laser interception systems.
And here, again, these are the bastard Jews who came first to the finish line.
Again the Jews did it.
President Biden at the Defense Systems Exhibitions at Ben Gurion Airport,
President Biden with Holocaust survivors at Ben Gurion Airport,
Biden, who as a child heard from his father about the horrors of the Holocaust, and as someone whose commitment to the Jewish people and the Jewish state is personal and deep, knows how to appreciate Israel's achievements.
As he said in a loud voice yesterday in his speech, "I said and I say again: You do not have to be a Jew to be a Zionist. I had the honor of meeting every Prime Minister since Golda Meir, and every opportunity to return to this great land, ".
After Clinton, Bush Jr., Obama and Trump, Biden is the fifth consecutive president to visit the country.
The visit and the things that have already been said about it will be a legacy for future presidents.
Were we wrong?
Fixed!
If you found an error in the article, we would love for you to share it with us