‘Israel remains America's ally’ regardless of who is president, Netanyahu says before boarding plane to the US
Netanyahu reportedly wants to meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump
“Israel remains America’s indispensable and strong ally in the Middle East,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated as he boarded the newly inaugurated “Wing of Zion” plane on the way to his long-awaited state visit to the United States on Monday morning.
“At a time when Israel is fighting on seven fronts and when there's great political uncertainty in Washington, I will address, for the fourth time, both houses of Congress as the Prime Minister of Israel. I will seek to anchor the bipartisan support that is so important for Israel,” said Netanyahu, standing on the tarmac at Ben-Gurion International Airport.
“And I will tell my friends on both sides of the aisle that regardless of who the American people choose as their next President, Israel remains America's indispensable and strong ally in the Middle East.”
Netanyahu is set to meet U.S. President Joe Biden in the White House for the first time during his current tenure as prime minister. The visit was delayed after Biden was diagnosed with COVID-19 a few days ago.
According to several media reports, Netanyahu’s aides hope to arrange a meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Netanyahu’s visit takes place in the shadow of Biden’s dramatic announcement on Sunday that he would withdraw from the Nov. 24 presidential election. Nevertheless, Netanyahu stressed he would visit Biden, “whom I've known for over 40 years.”
In his first comments on Biden since the announcement, the prime minister said, “This will be an opportunity to thank him for the things he did for Israel in the war and during his long and distinguished career in public service, as Senator, as Vice President, and as President.”
“It will also be an opportunity to discuss with him how to advance in the critical months ahead the goals that are important for both our countries: Achieving the release of all our hostages, defeating Hamas, confronting the terror axis of Iran and its proxies, and ensuring that all Israel citizens return safely to their homes in the north and in the south,” he added.
Netanyahu is also scheduled to meet Vice President Kamala Harris, now positioned as the Democratic nominee, as well as U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.
Before boarding the “Wing of Zion,” which is modeled after the American Air Force One, Netanyahu and his wife greeted the family members of current and former hostages who will accompany them on their trip.
Monday will be the first time the Wing of Zion will carry out its official duties of transporting the prime minister during state visits.
Netanyahu was sharply criticized for the Wing of Zion project, which the opposition claimed was a waste of taxpayer money. It involved the remodeling of a Boeing 767 plane to the tune of nearly $1.6 million dollars, while the annual cost is estimated to be around ($12,000).
The plane has four compartments, including a personal area for the prime minister, as well as one for senior aides, security and junior staff and the press.
It also has a surgery room, and conference room, and both open and classified communications networks connecting the plane to Israel’s government at all times. It will be piloted by active and reserve pilots of the Israeli Air Force (IAF).
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The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
