During his first stop on his one-day visit to Israel, President Joe Biden will have meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, members of his unity cabinet, and Israeli opposition leaders. A deteriorating humanitarian catastrophe and the Israeli Defense Forces’ upcoming ground invasion of the Gaza Strip serve as the tour’s backdrop.
Biden departed Washington aboard Air Force One and touched down at Ben Gurion Airport at approximately 10:50 AM local time. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby, while on board the presidential aircraft, revealed that Biden’s itinerary in Israel would be confined to Tel Aviv. It commenced with a restricted bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, expanding to include more team members and Israeli war cabinet officials.
The President will also have a separate meeting with Israeli first responders to express his gratitude for their valor in defending their country from Hamas assaults. Additionally, he will have meetings with the families of those slain in the October 7 Hamas attacks as well as Israeli and American hostage families. Biden will meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog while in Tel Aviv and speak in front of the public.
The situation in the region remains highly sensitive as international leaders seek to address the evolving crisis.
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