President Donald Trump and Israeli President Reuven Rivlin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speak upon Trump's arrival Monday at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv as part of his first trip overseas. (Jack Guez/AFP/Getty Images)
© 2024 Blaze Media LLC. All rights reserved.
President Donald Trump arrived in Israel on Monday for a two-day visit to the country, vowing to “bring security and stability and peace to this region.”
Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized the visit as a chance to begin a different approach to U.S.-Israeli relations following the administration of former President Barack Obama, who had an often-contentious relationship with Netanyahu.
"On my first trip overseas as president, I have come to this sacred and ancient land to reaffirm the unbreakable bond between the United States and the state of Israel," Trump said during remarks upon his arrival in Tel Aviv.
"We love Israel," he said.
Trump was welcomed to the country by officials, including Netanyahu and Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.
During a joint statement with Trump, Rivlin said, “We are happy to see that America is back in the area."
"America is back again," Rivlin added.
Rivlin praised Trump for his stated commitments to common goals with Israel, such as defeating the Islamic State terrorist organization and preventing human rights violations in Syria.
"You marked the defeating of ISIS as one of your top missions," Rivlin said. "This is [the] most important objective. Israel will do everything in its power in order to assist you in this mission."
“Mr. President, we’re happy to see that…America is back again.” – President Rivlin says Israel will do everything to help U.S. defeat ISIS pic.twitter.com/LlaCEBTQ5X
— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 22, 2017
Trump reiterated his opposition to allowing Iran to develop nuclear weapons, and his desire to see peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians.
"Iran must never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon, never ever," Trump said.
Pres. Trump in remarks alongside Israeli President Rivlin: "Iran must never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon, never ever." pic.twitter.com/FqThw4XnVS
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) May 22, 2017
During the visit, Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to visit the Western Wall, a site considered sacred by the Jewish faith.
Want to leave a tip?
We answer to you. Help keep our content free of advertisers and big tech censorship by leaving a tip today.
Want to join the conversation?
Already a subscriber?
more stories
Sign up for the Blaze newsletter
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content that may sometimes include advertisements. You may opt out at any time.
© 2024 Blaze Media LLC. All rights reserved.
Get the stories that matter most delivered directly to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content that may sometimes include advertisements. You may opt out at any time.