US President Joe Biden in Israel during his first trip to the Middle East
US President Joe Biden arrived in Israel on Wednesday at the start of his first landmark tour of the region since he took the office in 2021.
Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid discussed Iran’s rapidly progressing nuclear program and ways to improve Israel’s ties with Arab partners in the Middle East. The two sides also appreciated Israel-US connections and agreed to further strengthen bilateral ties.
Biden, who is also set to travel to Saudi Arabia on Friday, said he also stressed to Lapid the importance of Israel becoming “totally integrated” in the region.
Biden a “great Zionist”
In a speech, Lapid described Biden as a “great Zionist”.
“Your relationship with Israel has always been personal,” Lapid said, calling Biden “one of the best friends Israel has ever known”.
Earlier, Biden in his opening remarks said: “You don’t need to be a Jew to be a Zionist. The connection between the Israeli and American people is bone deep … I am proud to say that US relations with Israel are deeper and stronger than they have ever been.”
Signing of joint anti-Iran nuclear declaration
United States President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid, after their one-on-one meeting on Thursday, signed a statement that reiterated their anti-Iran positions in a joint declaration committing to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The statement says that the US will use “all elements of national power” available to it to deny Iran the ability to arm itself with nuclear weapons.
“The only way to stop a nuclear Iran is if Iran knows the free world will use force,” Lapid said while speaking at a press conference following the signing.
The joint declaration also includes a pledge by Washington to continue US military aid to Israel.
The signing ceremony was later followed by a virtual summit with the leaders of India and the United Arab Emirates on the 2nd day of Biden’s four-day Middle East visit.
Earlier, Biden was warmly greeted by Israeli officials as he reached Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv by Air Force One. This is Biden’s first visit to the Middle East as president.
Later during the trip, Biden will take an unprecedented direct flight from Israel to Jeddah where he will hold talks with high-ranking Saudi officials ahead of a summit of Gulf allies. Biden said the visit to the kingdom was an opportunity to reassert US influence in the Middle East.
The visit includes the most talked-about trip to Saudi Arabia as well.
Biden, who is also set to travel to Saudi Arabia on Friday, said he also stressed to Lapid the importance of Israel becoming “totally integrated” in the region.
where he will hold talks with high ranking Saudi officials ahead of a summit of Gulf allies.
Biden said the visit to the kingdom was an opportunity to reassert US influence in the Middle East.