Arriving in Israel, Obama Seeks to Offer Reassurance

“Shalom,” Mr. Obama said after embracing President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who waited for him on a red carpet under the shadow of Air Force One at Tel Aviv’s Ben-Gurion International Airport.

“I see this visit as an opportunity to reaffirm the unbreakable bonds between our nations,” the president declared in a stately arrival ceremony after Mr. Peres and Mr. Netanyahu offered thanks to the United States for standing by its ally.

Mr. Obama did not mention the Palestinians by name in his brief remarks, speaking instead of Israel’s “neighbor.” Nor did he allude to Iran or Syria, the other top items on his agenda. But he invoked the Jewish people’s 3,000-year history in this land, referring to modern Israelis as “the sons of Abraham and the daughters of Sarah.”

“I walk with you on the historic homeland of the Jewish people,” he said as Israeli and American flags rippled and sunlight glinted off the horns of an Israeli military brass band.

The president’s words seemed to presage a visit that will be heavy on symbolism and short on any proposals to advance peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians.

Mr. Obama was almost immediately driven across the tarmac to inspect a battery of the Iron Dome air-defense system, a squat, mobile, desert-colored weapon pointed skyward. The system, built by Israeli companies but largely financed by the United States, is credited with intercepting more than 400 rockets fired from Gaza at Israeli cities and towns.( From The New York Times )

Judul: Arriving in Israel, Obama Seeks to Offer Reassurance
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