President Barack Obama on first trip to Israel
Mr. Obama will visit Israel for the first time as President this week
16:31 20 March 2013
The President of the USA is to meet with the Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, on his first visit to Israel as the American President. His three-day trip will begin on Wednesday, 20thMarch.
During this trip, President Obama is expected to travel to Jerusalem, arriving there on Thursday. Although there are differing reports as to the reason why Mr. Obama is embarking on the trip this week, it is clear that talks will be held with the two other leaders.
Security has been stepped up in Jerusalem in particular, as well as in the Palestinian city of Ramallah in preparation for Mr. Obama’s arrival.
According to one report by The Guardian, President Netanyahu may want to open the floor to talks on Iran’s nuclear programme, including security matters in Syria.
Meanwhile, the White House has not confirmed Mr. Obama’s trip is designed to revamp peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
This relates to the peace discussions which fell apart over two years ago.
Reportedly, the trip could be seen by some as helping Mr. Obama to make contact with the people of Israel. In the same report by The Guardian, the White House is quoted as saying that it is a “chance to connect with the Israeli people”.