With a red carpet rolled out and a military band playing, Israeli leaders on Monday morning formally welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump upon his arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and their spouses received Trump at the tarmac in a ceremony marked by cordiality and symbolism.
Trump, stepping off Air Force One alone, smiled and raised a fist before descending the stairs to greet the Israeli leaders. He first shook hands with President Herzog, then placed a hand on Netanyahu’s shoulder as they exchanged warm words.
Observers described the interactions between Trump and the Israeli leaders as friendly and relaxed.
Following the initial greetings, Trump held brief conversations with U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and Israeli Ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter, as Netanyahu looked on.
The visit is Trump’s first to Israel since brokering the recent ceasefire and hostage-release agreement between Israel and Hamas, which went into effect last week.
