President Barack Obama touched down at Ben Gurion Airport in Air Force 1 shortly after midday in his first visit to Israel as US President. He was greeted by President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the members of his new cabinet.
In welcoming Obama, Peres said, "We receive you as a historic and important friend of Israel. This visit symbolizes the historic alliance between our peoples and our countries. Thank you very much Mr. President and thank you America. Thank you for everything you have done and everything you are doing. The American dream originates in the bible and we take inspiration from you. A huge ocean separates us but we have shared dreams and hopes."
Peres added, "Without US support , Israel would be under much greater attack. You offer America and the peoples of the world a leadership of inspiration and hope for a better future and allow Israel to strengthen its security in an exceptional way. We hold out our hands in peace top everyone in the region."
Netanyahu said, "You chose to come to Israel in your first overseas visit in your second term of office. We are a democratic country in the heart of the Middle East which finds itself in upheaval. Thank you Mr. President for supporting us time and again in our ability to defend ourselves. Thank you Mr. President in supporting the right of the Jewish people to a state here in our country through an unbreakable alliance between our two countries and two peoples."
President Obama spoke of the US commitment to Israel's security and advancing the peace process in the region. Speaking in Hebrew he said, "It's great to be in Israel again."
Switching to English he said, "You will very soon celebrate 65 years of independence after centuries of persecution and expulsions. The US is proud to be Israel's ally throughout these years."
He said that the Arab spring was both an opportunity and risk for the region and continued, "I stress our support for the security of the State of Israel."
Obama will spend three days in Israel including two visits to the Palestinian Authority. His first port of call was to inspect Israel's anti-missile defense systems at a site near the airport.