U.S. Vice President Mike Pence who landed in Israel Sunday evening after spending 36 hours in Egypt and Jordan has kicked off his meeting with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu telling him he is honored to be in Israel’s capital Jerusalem.
Meeting privately Pence told Netanyahu it was a “great honor” to be in “Israel’s capital Jerusalem”.
Later in the day Pence will deliver a speech in Israel’s Knesset plenum.
At the start of the meeting Netanyahu said “Dear Vice President I have had the privilege over all these years to welcome hundreds of leaders to the capital of Israel Jerusalem. This is the first time that we’re both able to say these three words.”
“I want to thank President Trump and yourself on the historic decision that I know you supported. I look forward to discussing with you as we have begun and to continue to strengthen our wonderful alliance. It has never been stronger and to progress peace and security in our region is our common goal.”
Israel’s Foreign Ministry says Pence received a full head-of-state welcome. Present at his welcome ceremony were White House Mideast envoy Jason Greenblatt U.S. Ambassador David Friedman and the Israeli ambassador to Washington Ron Dermer.
The Palestinian Authority is boycotting Pence’s visit to the region as are Christian leaders in Israel due to Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and announcement to move the embassy.
