Biden lands in Israel, hugs Netanyahu and Herzog on tarmac

U.S. President Joe Biden is welcomed by Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu, as he visits Israel amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 18, 2023. REUTERS

BEN GURION AIRPORT, Israel — U.S. President Joe Biden arrived in Israel on Wednesday, beginning a visit to show solidarity and confer on the spiraling Gaza war, a Reuters correspondent on board Air Force One said.

Descending from the plane amid a large security contingent, Biden embraced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog on the tarmac.

“Welcome, Mr. President. God bless you for protecting the nation of Israel,” Herzog’s office quoted him as telling Biden.