U.S. has sense of urgency but no timeline on Syria

Photo credit: pragcap.com

 

(Reuters) – The Obama administration has not set a timeline for responding to the use of chemical weapons in Syria but officials are preparing options for President Barack Obama with a sense of urgency, the State Department said on Monday.

“People feel that there’s a sense of urgency … but no timeline,” State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf told reporters in Washington, shortly after Secretary of State John Kerry issued a strong statement saying evidence of a massive deadly chemical attack last week was “undeniable.”

(Reporting by Paul Eckert; Editing by Sandra Maler)

 

PLO official: Israel asked US out of negotiating room

Hanan Ashrawi claims Israel doesn’t want the Americans as witnesses in order to ‘exploit their power over the Palestinians’

US Secretary of State John Kerry, left, sits across from Justice Minister and chief negotiator Tzipi Livni, third right, Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat, second right, Yitzhak Molcho, an adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, fourth right, and Mohammed Shtayyeh, aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, right, at an Iftar dinner, which celebrates Ramadan, at the State Department in Washington, marking the resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, Monday, July 29, 2013. (photo credit: AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

SOURCE

A PLO official accused Israel on Thursday of undermining negotiations by demanding the removal of the Americans from the negotiation room in a bid “to exploit their power over the Palestinians.”

“We had an agreement on three-way negotiations. The Americans from the beginning were supposed to be there. I don’t see why the Israelis don’t want the Americans there, as witnesses,” Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the PLO Executive Committee, told The Times of Israel. “These are not two-way negotiations,” she added.

Familiar cast as US launches new Mideast peace bid

Israeli, Palestinian negotiating teams sit down to talk for first time in three years over festive Ramadan meal at State Department

US Secretary of State John Kerry, left, sits across from Justice Minister and chief negotiator Tzipi Livni, third right, Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat, second right, Yitzhak Molcho, an adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, fourth right, and Mohammed Shtayyeh, aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, right, at an Iftar dinner, which celebrates Ramadan, at the State Department in Washington, marking the resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, Monday, July 29, 2013. (photo credit: AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

By AP and Rebecca Shimoni Stoil

WASHINGTON — With a cast of characters that has presided over numerous failed Middle East peace efforts, the Obama administration launched a fresh bid for an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal with the resumption of substantive negotiations.

Israelis and Palestinians have agreed to a nine-month timeline for final-status negotiations, an official there revealed early Monday afternoon, hours before the peace talks were set to start.

Despite words of encouragement, deep skepticism about the prospects for success surrounded the initial discussions, which were opening with a dinner hosted by Secretary of State John Kerry. He named a former US ambassador to Israel to shepherd what all sides believe will be a protracted and difficult process.

Israeli, Palestinian leaders to resume long-stalled peace talks Monday in Washington

SOURCE

Israeli and Palestinian teams headed to Washington on Monday for preliminary talks on resuming formal negotiations after five years of stalemate.

Both sides emphasized that many obstacles stand between them and a final deal on setting up a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

Talks will be complex, said Israel’s chief negotiator, Tzipi Livni. She told the Associated Press she was heading to the Washington meetings “cautiously, but also with hope.”

‘Secret Obama plan’ forfeits Temple Mount to Palestinians

Formula for Israel-Arab talks leaked to WND

WND.COM

The Obama administration has quietly presented a plan in which the Palestinian Authority and Jordan will receive sovereignty over the Temple Mount while Israel will retain the land below the Western Wall, according to a senior PA negotiator speaking to WND.

The Temple Mount is the holiest site in Judaism.

 The proposed plan is part of the basis for U.S.-brokered talks that are set to resume in Washington next week after Secretary of State John Kerry announced that both Israel and PA President Mahmoud Abbas have agreed to open negotiations aimed at creating a Palestinian state.

Israel has not agreed to the U.S. plan over the Temple Mount, with details still open for discussion, stated the PA negotiator.

Netanyahu reportedly agrees to talks based on 1967 lines

Development denied by prime minister’s spokesman; report indicates Abbas ready to acknowledge Israel is a Jewish state

US Secretary of State John Kerry with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting in Jerusalem, Thursday, June 27 (photo credit: AP/Jacquelyn Martin)

SOURCE

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to resume negotiations with the Palestinians based on the 1967 lines, according to a senior Israeli source quoted by Reuters on Thursday. The report was quickly dismissed by Netanyahu spokesman Mark Regev, who said it was untrue.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, for his part, had agreed to a formulation that would acknowledge the Jewish nature of Israel, according to the report. If the guidelines were approved by the Palestinian leadership in a meeting Thursday, US Secretary of State John Kerry would announce the resumption of long-dormant peace talks on Friday, the report said.

President Shimon Peres on Thursday said Kerry was on the brink of success in his ongoing effort to resume talks.

Palestinians say restart of peace talks close

Kerry said to be nearing a deal for a six- to nine-month window of negotiations

US Secretary of State John Kerry (center), Israeli President Shimon Peres (left), and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas all shake hands during the World Economic Forum in Jordan, Sunday May 26, 2013. (photo credit: AP/Jim Young)

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — US Secretary of State John Kerry is closing in on an agreement between Israel and the Palestinians to relaunch peace talks for a period of six to nine months, Palestinian officials said Thursday.

While a deal is not yet in place, the Palestinians said their president, Mahmoud Abbas, is pleased with the progress and hopeful a formula can be reached to begin what would be the first substantive peace negotiations in nearly five years. Kerry announced this week that he had significantly narrowed the gaps between the sides and would soon return to the region to try to wrap up the deal.

Kerry visits Japan for talks on resolving North Korea tensions

Published April 14, 2013

Associated Press

SOURCE

The United States and Japan on Sunday offered new talks with North Korea to resolve the increasingly dangerous standoff over its nuclear and missile programs, but said the reclusive communist government first must lower tensions and honor previous agreements.

North Korea has a clear course of action available to it, and will find “ready partners” in the United States if it follows through, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry told reporters.

Japan’s foreign minister, Fumio Kishida, who appeared with Kerry at a news conference, was more explicit, saying that North Korea must honor its commitment to earlier deals regarding its nuclear and missile programs and on returning kidnapped foreigners.

The officials agreed on the need to work toward a nuclear-free North Korea and opened the door to direct talks if certain conditions are met.

Their comments highlight the difficulty in resolving the North Korean nuclear situation in a peaceful manner, as pledged by Kerry and Chinese leaders in Beijing on Saturday.

Gaining China’s commitment, Kerry insisted, was no small matter given Beijing’s historically strong military and economic ties to North Korea.

The issue has taken on fresh urgency in recent months, given North Korea’s tests of a nuclear device and intercontinental ballistic missile technology, and its increasingly brazen threats of nuclear strikes against the United States.

U.S. and South Korean officials believe the North may deliver another provocation in the coming days with a mid-range missile test.

“The question,” Kerry said, “is what steps do you take now so we are not simply repeating the cycle of the past years.” That was a clear reference to the various negotiated agreements and U.N. Security Council ultimatums that North Korea has violated since the 1990s.

“We have to be careful and thoughtful and frankly not lay out publicly all the options,” Kerry said.

Given their proximity and decades of hostility and distrust, Japan and South Korea have the most to fear from the North’s unpredictable actions.

Kerry said the U.S. would defend both its allies at all cost.

He also clarified a statement he made Saturday in Beijing, when he told reporters the U.S. could scale back its missile-defense posture in the region if North Korea goes nuclear-free.

It appeared to be a sweetener to coax tougher action from China, which has done little over the years to snuff out funding and support for North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction program.

China fears the increased U.S. military presence in the region may be directed at it as well.

Kerry said America’s basic force posture wasn’t up to debate. “There is no discussion that I know of to change that,” he said.

But he said it was logical that additional missile-defense elements, including a land-based system for the Pacific territory of Guam, deployed because of the Korean threat could be reversed if that threat no longer existed.

“There’s nothing actually on the table with respect to that. I was simply making an observation about the rationale for that particular deployment, which is to protect the United States’ interests that are directly threatened by North Korea,” Kerry said.

Kerry’s visit to Japan followed two days of meetings in South Korea and China.

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Livni: Obama reminded us of imperative for peace deal

Justice minister says Secretary Kerry is ‘energized’ to work for two-state solution with Palestinians

Tzipi Livni (right) and John Kerry, in Jerusalem (photo credit: Matty Stern/U.S. Embassy/Flash90)

By Aaron Kalman March 24, 2013

It took President Barack Obama’s visit to remind Israel that it simply has to advance toward peace with the Palestinians, Justice Minister Tzipi Livni said Sunday, adding that Secretary of State John Kerry was extremely “energized” to broker progress toward a two-state solution.

Negotiations with the Palestinians are far from simple but they are the most important thing for the country, and a charismatic speech by the president had reminded Israel of this, Livni (Hatnua) said, speaking after the first meeting of Israel’s key decision-making security cabinet.

Livni, the former foreign minister who also heads Israel’s negotiation team with the Palestinian Authority, told Channel 2 that ”negotiating with the Palestinians is the only way to protect Zionism,” a point she said Obama emphasized in his address to Israeli students on Thursday.

Obama’s trip to the region, and the subsequent talks this weekend between Kerry and Israeli and Palestinian leaders, might help restart talks between the sides, Livni said, adding that sometimes you need someone from outside to tell you the obvious. Kerry, she noted, is “very determined, very energetic and very committed to the two state solution.”

Livni, who returned to politics in November after resigning her Knesset seat six months earlier, said she made her comeback with the Hatnua party in order to advance a platform much like the one presented by Obama in his Jerusalem address last week.

The peace process “is far from being simple, but it’s the most important thing there is,” she said, though Israel will have to stand its ground during negotiations and protect its interests, especially those regarding the state’s security.

Regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s apology to his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday, Livni — who was foreign minister at the time of the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident — said it was “better late than never.”

The Marmara was part of a May 2010 flotilla seeking to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza — imposed to prevent weapons imports by Hamas for use against Israel. Israeli naval commandos were attacked by activists wielding clubs and iron bars as they sought to commandeer the vessel on May 30 as it neared Gaza, and they killed nine Turkish activists.

The most important thing, she stressed, was to reassure the naval commandos that Netanyahu’s apology to Erdogan involved zero criticism of the soldiers who participated in the event. The commandos who boarded the ship did what they were asked to do, and they did so without any moral flaws, she said. Netanyahu acknowledged “operational errors” in the incident, she noted, precisely as an Israeli investigation had done.

“There were attempts to heal the rift before Obama’s visit,” but various events — including Erdogan’s perceived anti-Semitic comments — stalled the process, Livni told the news station.

Speaking about the spillover of the Syrian civil war into northern Israel, Livni said Israel was monitoring the “worrying” situation. The shots that hit an IDF vehicle on Sunday were disturbing, and “its an incident I hope remains an isolated one,” she said. Israel fired a Tammuz missile back at the source of the shooting, destroying a Syrian army outpost.

“Israel acts to protect its soldiers and citizens,” she said, and possible IDF retaliation for such incidents would be decided on a case-by-case basis, based on evaluations carried out by decision makers. “It’s not a topic I wish to make broad statements about,” Livni said.

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President Obama in Israel

President’s Residence is next stop for Obama after all-smiles airport ceremony

Obama has been welcomed to Israel on his first visit as president. Netanyahu thanked him in the name of all Israelis for his steadfast support of the Jewish homeland. The president tried some Hebrew, and had some advice from Michelle for Yair Lapid. Now he’s moved on to the capital. Follow every moment of his visit here

By Times of Israel staff March 20, 2013, 10:39 am Updated: March 20, 2013, 1:05 pm 6

 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu greets President Barack Obama at Ben-Gurion Airport Wednesday (photo credit: Miriam Alster/Flash90)

 

President Barack Obama is making his first visit to Israel as president, the fifth serving US president to do so. We’re live-blogging his entire visit here at The Times of Israel.

14:45 

Kerry snatches a bite at local Jerusalem cafe

While Obama was on his way to Jerusalem by air and the rest of the presidential entourage was making its way along Route 1, US Secretary of State John Kerry was having a bite to eat at a local Jerusalem cafe.

Kerry, who arrived in Israel yesterday, sat at Cafe Paradiso, not far from the King David Hotel where he and Obama are staying. We’re not quite sure what the US’s top diplomat was eating.

By the look of things, Kerry started his meal — let’s be diplomatic — immediately after the ceremony at Ben Gurion Airport.

More from Obama’s remarks on the VIP line: He told Livni he’s glad they’re going to be working together, told Public Security Minister Aharonovich he has “a very important job,” and told Amir Peretz, former defense minister, that he has “a bit more gray hair” than since they last met.

Obama to Lapid: You had a good job before you entered politics. Lapid: “A better job.”

14:17 

Arab MK Tibi: Obama’s airport address was ‘a Zionist speech’

Obama has arrived in Jerusalem, and been driven to the King David Hotel for a short break before he heads to the President’s Residence at 4.

Arab MK Ahmad Tibi says Obama’s arrival address was “a Zionist speech.” He doesn’t mean it as a compliment.

“There’s no symmetry” in America’s relations with Israel and the Palestinians, he notes.

Tibi also protests the presence in the Israeli coalition of a party — Jewish Home — “with a veto” over any progress toward Palestinian statehood. But the root of the problem, Tibi says, is Netanyahu — “a principled right-winger,” who will never say the words “a sovereign Palestinian state.”

Tibi says Abbas will “absolutely” seek a settlement freeze when he meets Obama tomorrow.

13:56 

Obama nears Jerusalem

Obama’s chopper is coming in to land at Jerusalem’s Givat Ram stadium.

Raphael Ahren: About 15,000 police officers – including 35 on horseback — are taking part in securing the president’s visit, manning hundreds of patrol cars, motorcycles and other vehicles. One thousand Israeli, US and Jerusalem flags have been hung around the capital to greet Obama and his 600-strong entourage.

13:54 

Palestinians set up illegal outpost as protest

Some 500 Palestinian activists set up an illegal outpost in the controversial strip of land east of Jerusalem near Ma’ale Adumim known as E1.

Activists say that the establishment of the “Grandchildren of Yunis” outpost is a protest against the Obama administration, which they claim is traditionally biased in Israel’s favor. The outpost consists of 15 tents.

In January, Palestinians also established an illegal outpost in the E1 corridor, which Israeli police evacuated.

After the Palestinian Authority was granted nonmember observer status at the UN in late November, one of Israel’s responses was to revive its own plans to build in the E1 area, drawing harsh international condemnation. Critics say settlement construction there would make a contiguous Palestinian state nearly impossible.

13:47 

Did he have to come at Passover? In Jerusalem, locals grumble

ToI’s Raphael Ahren has been speaking to Jerusalemites as Obama heads their way:

“If it were up to me, he could stay home. He’s killing business for three days,” says Eitay, who works at the Avi Manko barbershop on Jerusalem’s Azza Street, meters away from the Prime Minister’s Residence. “I really couldn’t care less about this visit. So people say that he gives a lot of money to Israel, but he’s doing that only to get elected. We could always get the money elsewhere.”

His boss disagrees, kind of. “Maybe he’ll bring Pollard with him,” he says, referring to the American-Israeli spy serving a life sentence in a US prison. (Obama didn’t.)

“I don’t mind that he’s coming,” Manko adds, “but why does it have to be at Passover? It’s really bad for business.” Observant Jews usually get haircuts shortly before the holiday, as they refrain from doing so during the seven-week “Omer” period between Pessah and Shavuot.

On Hanassi Street, named after the Israeli presidents who officially reside there, traffic has come to a halt. Even before the police closed off the streets, few cars could be seen. Most people in the neighborhood planned in advance so as not to leave their houses too much while the president is in town. One pedestrian says her painting class was canceled today because of the prominent guest’s arrival.

A few steps further, at the “President’s Kiosk,” where foreign diplomats occasionally stop by to grab a last cup of coffee before their audiences with the president, business is good. “We’re very busy,” an employee says while handing some tomatoes to a customer. Inside the store, most of his clients are policemen and secret service staff getting a last snack.

Chana, who has lived for 45 years on the corner of Radak and Hanassi streets, right in front of the President’s Residence, says she has seen all previous visits by US presidents in Israel. “I’m happy that he’s coming, if he promotes good things” such as the peace process, she says. Will he be able to achieve anything? “I want to believe so,” she says. “I can only tell you what the political commentators say. That he’s neutral in the conflict, and of course we’d like him to be more on our side.”

Although she is generally positive about Obama, Chana points to a huge truck that US officials have parked right in front of her house. “Do you see the see the stinking fumes that come from the generator in the truck? It’s unbearable,” she complains.

13:40 

The presidential limo doesn’t run on diesel

More on that broken-down presidential limousine, which had to be replaced at short notice.

“The Americans filled it up with diesel, rather than petrol,” reports Channel 2 — stressing that it was the Americans, not the Israelis.

Unsurprisingly, the car wouldn’t start.

13:31 

Obama helicopters off to Jerusalem

The president is being introduced to the soldiers who staff Iron Dome.

He poses for a group photo, with the anti-missile battery in the background.

Obama looks relaxed; he and Netanyahu are chatting and smiling easily — best of friends.

He decides to walk back from the Iron Dome to his “Marine One” helicopter rather than drive the short distance. It’s hot, and he’s taken off his jacket.

The choppers gear up for takeoff, and Obama taxis away.

More on Obama-Lapid: You’ve taken on quite a job (as finance minister), the president said to Israel’s rising political star.

TV analysts are impressed by Obama’s references to 3,000 years of Jewish history here. Naftali Bennett has reportedly noted that Obama didn’t mention the Palestinians. (Of course, he will do that in Ramallah tomorrow.) Peres spoke of a Palestinian state. Netanyahu spoke of peace with the Palestinians. Obama spoke of peace in the Holy Land.

13:24 

Supreme Court president not on hand to greet Obama

Supreme Court President Asher Grunis was absent from the long line of dignitaries who welcomed President Obama upon his arrival to Israel.

As the US president landed at Ben Gurion International Airport, Grunis was in court hearing an appeal connected to the case of Shimon Cooper, who is accused of murdering his first and third wives.

13:18 

Obama sees the Iron Dome missile defense system

Obama moves on to visit the Iron Dome anti-missile battery that has been set up at the airport.

“Where do you want to start?” he asks IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz.

“Follow the red line,” says Gantz.

“You’ve done a great job,” the president tells officers near the missile system. “This is a state of the art, multi-level” system, the president is told — Iron Dome for short-range rockets, supplemented by David’s Sling, Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 missile defense systems.

He’s now being shown a short film on the high-tech missile defense developments, with simulations of the systems in action. Iron Dome, funded with a supplementary US budget, intercepted 84% of missiles — close to 500 in all — fired at residential Israel from Gaza in November, proving itself in combat.

What Obama said to Yair Lapid on his new political career: “My wife always says, ‘Be careful what you wish for.’”

13:04 

Obama in Hebrew: It’s good to be in the land again

Obama begins by noting this is his third visit to Israel, and so, he says in Hebrew, “Tov lihyot shuv ba’aretz” — it’s good to be in Israel again.

It’s no coincidence that he’s chosen to make Israel the first foreign destination in his second presidency, he says.

He immediately stresses the “rebirth” of Israel as the historic Jewish homeland. “The United States is proud to stand with you,” he says.

He speaks of “the winds of change” in the region, which “bring both promise and peril.” He says he sees opportunities on the visit, and highlights that the US and Israel “stand together because we share a common story” — share the goals of freedom, the tradition of bringing in immigrants from every corner of the world. “We stand together because we are democracies… the greatest form of government ever devised by man. Also “We stand together… because it makes us more prosperous… We share a commitment to helping human beings” around the world.

“We stand together because peace must come to the holy land,” he adds. “For even as we are clear-eyed about the difficulties, we will never lose sight of the vision of Israel at peace with its neighbors.”

The US “stands with Israel because it is in our fundamental security interest… It makes us both stronger… and it makes the world a better place… That’s why the United States was the very first nation” to recognize Israel 65 years ago.

The partnership between the two countries is eternal, Obama concludes.

12:58 

Netanyahu to Obama: Thank you

Netanyahu hails the “historic moment” of this visit — Obama’s first foreign trip in the second term of his presidency.

“I come here today with a simple message… thank you,” Netanyahu says.

Says Netanyahu: “You have chosen to come to Israel as the first foreign visit of your second term, you the leader of the United States, the world’s greatest democracy, have chosen to come to our somewhat smaller but no less vibrant democracy in the heart of the Middle East, the one and only Jewish state of Israel.

“On behalf of the government and the people of Israel, I come here today with a simple message for you and the American people: Thank you. Thank you for standing by Israel at this time of historic change in the Middle East.

“Thank you for unequivocally affirming Israel’s sovereign right to defend itself by itself against any threat. Thank you for enhancing Israel’s ability to exercise that right through generous military assistance, revolutionary missile defense programs, and unprecedented security and intelligence cooperation.

“Thank you, Mr. President, for upholding the Jewish people’s right to a Jewish state in our historic homeland, and for boldly defending that right at the United Nations. And thank you for strengthening the unbreakable alliance between our two nations during your presidency.

“In an unstable and uncertain Middle East, the need for our alliance is greater than ever. It is the key to thwarting dangers and advancing peace; it’s the key to achieve a stable and secure peace that the people of Israel yearn for with our neighbors with our all hearts. We seek a peace with our Palestinian neighbors. I look forward to working with you over the next four years to make the alliance between our two countries even stronger.

“Mr. President, on this historic visit, you will have an opportunity to see a different side of Israel. You will see past, present, and future in this tiny land which has left such a huge imprint on the course of civilization. You will see the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls, the world’s oldest text of the Bible, written in Hebrew here 2,000 years ago, scrolls that bear witness to the timeless bond between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel.

“You will meet the young men and women of Israel who make it one of the most creative and dynamic societies on earth. And you will see Israeli technology and innovation which is fundamentally transforming the way we live.

Mr. President, Barack – on a lighter side, I had an opportunity to see your interview on Israeli television the other day. I took note of your desire to go incognito, so if you have a few free minutes, and you can arrange to slip away from your security – a daunting task – well, we picked out a few cafes and bars in Tel Aviv, and we even prepared a fake mustache for you…

“Mr. President, the people of Israel are honored to have you visit our country. We warmly welcome you as a cherished guest. We deeply appreciate your friendship. And we share your hope that the Middle East will enjoy a future of freedom, prosperity and peace.

“Baruch haba leYisrael — welcome to Israel,” Netanyahu concludes.

12:53 

Peres to Obama: We face the same dangers. We share the same hopes.

Now Peres and Netanyahu are being introduced by Obama to members of his entourage.

It’s all smiles and endless handshakes.

The Peres-Obama-Netanyahu triumvirate now walks to the podium.

Peres is the first to speak:

President Barack Obama, Dear Friend,

Welcome to Israel.

We welcome you as a great President of the United States of America. As a remarkable world leader. As a historic friend of Israel. Of the Jewish People.

Your visit here is a crown demonstration of the profound relationship between our two nations. The people of Israel welcome you with open hearts.

From the depth of our hearts, From the depths of our history, “תודה רבה” Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, America. Thank you for what you are. Thank you for what you do. Thank you for the hopes you carry with you. In a few minutes you will be on your way to Jerusalem. Our ancient capital. The cradle of all believers, of all prayers. You will see the hills and mountains where our prophets preached. Where the soul of the Jewish People was born. Where the State of Israel was created.

America and Israel are somewhat different in size. In size, not in destiny. The American dream stems from the bible. The Israeli spirit is inspired by American exceptionalism.

We are separated by an ocean and united by the commitment to freedom, to justice, by the ongoing struggle for peace. We face the same dangers. We share the same hopes.

Mr. President,

The United States became great by giving. Not by taking. Your generosity enabled freedom to prevail all over the world. A world without America’s leadership, without her moral voice, your moral voice, would be a darker world. A world without your friendship, will invite aggression against Israel.

Mr. President,

Your story reflects the history of the world as it is. Your vision reflects the future as it should be. You have offered the American people and the peoples of the world a leadership of vision, a leadership of values. A leadership dedicated to a brighter tomorrow.

In times of peace, in times of war, your support for Israel is unshakable. You enabled our security in an extraordinary way, to project strength. To strive for peace. Strengthening security is the best way to strengthen peace.

We long to see end the conflict with the Palestinians. To see the Palestinians enjoy freedom and prosperity in their own state. We extend our hand in peace to all the countries of the Middle East.

America stood by our side from the very beginning. You support us as we rebuild our ancient homeland and as we defend our land. From Holocaust to redemption. From Truman to Obama.

Mr. President, wherever you go in our land, you will meet the friendship and warmth of the people of Israel.

Mr. President, the people of Israel want you to feel at home. So, welcome home Mr. President.

12:46 

‘People are so excited’ about the visit, Peres tells Obama

Peres says, “People are really excited… I never saw the people so excited.”

“I’m thrilled to be here,” says Obama.

The president is introduced to the line of dignitaries. He meets Yuli Edelstein, the new Knesset speaker, and is told that Edelstein sat in jail in the FSU for seeking to come to Israel.

“Very nice to see you… Good to see you,” Obama says as he is introduced to the chief rabbis and to government ministers.

Netanyahu tells the president about each minister in turn. “It’s wonderful to see you,” he tells Tzipi Livni.

“I’m sure” we’ll spend time together, Obama tells Yair Lapid.

Defense Minister Ya’alon says something to the effect of Israel’s security being the US’s security.

Now Obama meets a representative of the diplomatic community here, and shakes hands with Israeli Ambassador to the US Michael Oren.

On to the various religious leaders. To Nir Barkat, Jerusalem’s mayor. Members of Netanyahu’s staff.

12:37 

The anthems play

Standing between Netanyahu and Peres, Obama listens to the US national anthem, played by the IDF Orchestra.

And now Israel’s “Hatikvah” anthem.

Peres leads Obama along the red carpet. At one point, Peres puts his arm warmly around Obama’s back. Netanyahu and the president exchange a few words.

12:31 

‘Great to be here,’ says Obama

The front door of Air Force One opens. From the back door, members of Obama’s entourage disembark.

Shimon Peres takes his place at the front of the welcoming party.

A pregnant pause.

Peres and Netanyahu walk toward one end of the red carpet, along it, and toward the plane.

And here’s Obama, waving, and coming down the stairs alone.

“How are you. Good to see you,” he says to Netanyahu.

“How are you my friend,” he says to Peres.

“Great to be here,” he tells the chief of protocol.

 

12:26 

Honor guard comes to attention, trumpets blare

Obama’s plane comes to a halt.

Trumpets blare. The honor guard comes to attention.

Mitch Ginsburg notes: The IDF, never much of a powerhouse when it comes to formations and marches, has put together an 88-member honor guard: 22 IAF flight school cadets, 22 Navy officer cadets, 22 infantry cadets and 22 female Military Police officers. The IDF Spokesperson’s Office relays that they trained for the event for the past three days.

12:20 

Israel prepares to welcome Obama

Limousines are taking up their positions on the tarmac.

The honor guard is in place.

Air Force One is approaching the ceremonial area.

Ministers and other notables are lined up along 80 yards of red carpet.

12:17 

Gazans demonstrate against Obama’s visit

A large procession of “national Islamic forces” is holding a rally in the Gaza Strip to protest President Obama’s visit to Israel and the PA, the Palestinian news agency Ma’an reports.

Another rally is also being held in Hebron. On Tuesday, the Palestinian Authority issued a ban on releasing photos and videos from Hebron. The PA is hoping to avoid embarrassment over hateful displays in the city.

12:14 

Obama’s plane touches down with ‘Shalom’ from pilot

Obama’s plane is coming in to land.

Air Force One pilot broadcasts a friendly “Shalom.”

Plane taxis along the Ben-Gurion runway.

The IDF orchestra strikes up, the honor guard takes up its position, and the visit is under way.

 

12:12 

Feeding the press corps

With the White House press corps staying at the Inbal Hotel, just down the road from the King David Hotel, where President Obama and his staff will be staying, the Inbal’s Chef Moti Buchbut was also charged with creating additional meals for the visitors in his already kosher-for-Passover kitchens.

“It’s a huge operation, getting the hotel kosher for Passover, given that we have tons of outlets, from our in-house restaurant and cafe, executive lounge, main and private dining rooms,” said Buchbut. “And now with all the press corps for Obama — the hotel and kitchen have to work like robots.”

With 40 chefs on each daily shift, as well as Buchbut and his three assistant chefs, every item eaten in the hotel is made by the kitchen staff, including the breads and pastries.

“The press corps isn’t all Jewish,” commented Buchbut, “and people like to eat bread. So I prepared a light lunch yesterday with mini sandwiches. They couldn’t believe that there was bread; they just don’t know that it’s bread that’s kosher for Passover.”

12:01 

Air Force One pilot calls in to Ben-Gurion control tower from 3,000 feet

Nitzan Horowitz, the Meretz Knesset member, reminds us all that “Obama is a sex symbol,” and there’s never been anyone like him in the White House.

More substantively, Horowitz thinks this visit will mark “a reset” of sorts in ties between Israel and the administration.

TV has tapped into the radio communication between Air Force One and the Ben-Gurion Airport control tower. The pilot asks for permission to land, coming down from 3,000 feet. Unsurprisingly, he gets the okay.

11:53 

Channel 2 analyst predicts no peace initiatives during visit

At the airport, Matti Friedman reports: “There’s a real party atmosphere here — 100s of reporters, officials in suits, a few US soldiers in uniform. Lots of flags. They’ve set up a tent where reporters are given coffee, cookies and avocado sandwiches.

Channel 2′s wise analyst Ehud Ya’ari says this visit is a “correction” to Obama’s Cairo trip four years ago, when he “reached out to the Muslim Brotherhood.” Here in Israel, Obama will highlight the Jewish connection to this land, Ya’ari notes, a theme that was absent from his Cairo address. Ya’ari predicts no dramatic peace initiatives in the course of the visit.

The manager of the King David Hotel reports that the entire hotel has been taken over by Obama and his entourage. The president is traveling with some 600 people. The King David has 230 rooms. They’re not all tripling up; other hotels are also playing host, but the King David is the HQ.

The hundreds of traveling journalists, meanwhile, are set up at the Inbal Hotel around the corner.

Matti Friedman is now photographing US Black Hawk helicopters on the airport tarmac.

Jewish Home leader Naftali Bennett, part of the welcoming party, declares his opposition to Palestinian statehood — noting that if there were one, Ben Gurion airport itself would be under threat from 2 kilometers away — minutes after coalition colleague Yael German (Yesh Atid) has expressed her desire for a two-state solution and her support for Obama’s efforts to advance it. We shouldn’t obsess about the differences between us, says Bennett.

11:39 

Presidential limo breaks down

Israeli and Jordanian officials have been coordinating the transfer of a replacement presidential limousine from a US storage facility in Jordan to Israel, after the one parked at Ben-Gurion Airport failed to start this morning.

The limo is an armored Chevrolet known as “The Beast.”

A transport plane is on its way with the substitute vehicle now.

11:37 

Hagel set to visit Israel next month

Last night saw a major demonstration outside the President’s Residence, urging Obama to release jailed-for-life spy-for-Israel Jonathan Pollard.

Shimon Peres is set to give Obama a petition signed by 200,000 Israelis urging the same thing. In The Wall Street Journal (behind a paywall) today, by contrast, Bret Stephens urges: “Don’t Free Jonathan Pollard: A man who betrayed his country is no martyr to the Jewish people.”

Likud minister Gilad Erdan, at the airport, says Obama will find a new government here, full of good intentions, sharing the US worldview. Channel 2′s Udi Segal notes, by contrast, that Obama would really want to say to the new Israeli government, “End the occupation,” but almost certainly won’t say anything that blunt.

New word — breaking just now — is that US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is to visit here next month — doubtless with Iran, again, very high on the agenda. The timing of the Obama visit, analysts say, is very Iran-linked too. Netanyahu had spoken last fall of this spring as being the moment of truth on Iran. Obama wants to make sure, face-to-face, that the prime minister isn’t about to do anything unexpected, and that the US and Israel are as coordinated as they can be.

11:16 

Gideon Sa’ar: I don’t know any Israelis who don’t love America

“We’re taking the plastic covering off the red carpet,” says the coordinator of the ceremony at Ben-Gurion Airport to Army Radio.

Israel’s two commercial TV stations — Channel 2 and Channel 10 — have switched to nonstop Obama coverage, with crews at the airport and outside the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, and panels of analysts in the studio. State TV, Channel 1, is showing a recorded music program.

Various dignitaries are beginning to take their positions at the airport. Ministers, army top brass and others are making their way to their places. “I don’t know any Israelis who don’t love America,” says Interior Minister Gideon Sa’ar. “And I’m sure that will find expression during this visit.”

11:14 

Jerusalemites avoiding traffic chaos, by staying home

Jerusalem residents are bracing themselves for the planned road closures and inevitable traffic jams. As of right now, most of them seem to be opting to stay at home — the roads are unusually empty.

The Social driving app Waze — which lets drivers know where there are tie-ups, and suggests alternative routes designed to get them to their destinations in the quickest time possible — plans to be ready, unlike the last time there was a major road closure in Israel, when the app sent tens of thousands of drivers to a highway that was “rained out” of service.

Though Waze will update drivers, and the Israel police have opened a toll-free call line (in Israel, 1700-553-100) for the public, the major traffic routes affected are already known:

Route 1, the main highway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, will be shut down for an hour or so starting at 1:30 p.m., as Obama’s convoy travels from the airport to the capital. (The president himself will be helicoptering.)

In Jerusalem, all the roads between the King David Hotel and Netanyahu’s official residence on Balfour Street will be closed for the duration of Obama’s stay.

10:51 

Hundreds at Ben-Gurion Airport await Obama’s arrival

Preamble: The president is due to land at Ben-Gurion Airport a little after noon Israel time. Here’s his itinerary. And here’s Raphael Ahren on why he’s going where’s going — places like the Israel Museum to see the Dead Sea Scrolls — and not going where he’s not going — like the Western Wall.

Obama, who’s visited Israel twice before, is the fifth serving president to come, after Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton (four times) and George W. Bush (twice). Here’s a photo essay showing those previous presidential visits.

Obama said in an interview last week that he’d be coming to “listen,” but doubtless he’ll be doing plenty of talking too behind closed doors with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah tomorrow. Here’s David Horovitz on the differences on opinion and mindset between Obama and Netanyahu, especially over settlements and Iran.

Our Matti Friedman, at Ben-Gurion Airport awaiting Obama, says hundreds of journalists have been there for ages, clearing security and poised for the arrival of Air Force One. The IDF’s honor guard is making its final preparations to greet the president.