US President Joe Biden landed at Israel’s Ben Gurion airport this morning. He will spend two days in Jerusalem for talks with Israeli leaders before meeting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday in Bethlehem. After his meeting with Abbas, Biden will return to Israel and then fly to Saudi Arabia. His arrival today marks Biden’s 10th visit to Israel, but his first as president.

Shortly before he landed, the White House and the Israeli government said in a joint statement, “Today, the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of the State of Israel reaffirm their commitment to elevating the strategic partnership between the countries to new heights by launching the new Strategic High-Level Dialogue on Technology, tasked with establishing a US-Israel technological partnership on critical and emerging technologies and solutions to global challenges.”

As announced beforehand, the president did not shake hands with the dignitaries that awaited him by the tarmac. The welcoming ceremony was kept short with only a few dozen guests due to the tight schedule, coronavirus concerns and the hot weather. 

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog greeted Biden with, “The people of Israel welcome you to the Holy Land with open arms and joyous hearts.” He added, “Mr. President, you have been a true friend and staunch supporter of Israel and the Jewish people, of our security and wellbeing, your entire life. … This trip, Mr. President, is your journey of peace from Israel to Saudi Arabia, from the Holy Land to the Hejaz.”