US President Biden Lands in Tel Aviv to Meet Israeli PM

US President Joe Biden arrived in Israel on Wednesday for a solidarity visit in the aftermath of Hamas assaults, which have heightened regional tensions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally greeted Biden on the tarmac, wrapping his arms around the US president, who then clasped his hands around Netanyahu, indicating the two leaders’ newfound friendship.

US President Joe Biden disembarks upon his arrival at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport on October 18, 2023, amid the ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP)

Biden and Netanyahu spoke briefly on the tarmac at Ben Gurion Airport, flanked by their guards, before their motorcades moved off for a Tel Aviv hotel where they will hold discussions, under exceptionally high security even for the US president.

Hundreds of armed police and army surrounded the oceanfront Tel Aviv hotel where Netanyahu and Biden will meet, with armed snipers stationed on the roofs of surrounding villas.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) greets US President Joe Biden upon his arrival at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport on October 18, 2023, amid the ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP)

 

Tel Aviv is just 65 kilometres (40 miles) from the Gaza Strip, the Hamas-ruled territory which Israel has been pounding since a devastating October 7 attack by Hamas militants.

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