U.S. President Joe Biden stated on Wednesday that a two-state solution is the best option for both Israel and the Palestinians, emphasizing that the United States will remain committed to Israel's security. In a joint statement with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Yair Lapid at the beginning of his visit to Tel Aviv, Biden noted that this visit will help strengthen the ties between Israel and the United States.
He continued that the relationship with Israel is stronger and deeper than ever, rooted in generation after generation, and expressed his honor to stand among friends to visit the independent Jewish state of Israel. The U.S. president stressed that the United States "wants peace and does not want the mistakes of the past to be repeated," pointing out that "we will continue our joint efforts to combat the toxins of anti-Semitism," mentioning his upcoming visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial center.
Biden also stated, "We will work with Israel to enhance its defense system, including the Iron Dome." He highlighted Israel's modern "Iron Beam" system, which is laser-based, to counter the threat of drones and missiles, emphasizing the importance of technological cooperation with Israel.
He noted the need to deepen the role of the "I2U2" group, which includes the United States, Israel, the UAE, and India, to strengthen economic ties in the Middle East, the Pacific, and the Indian Oceans. For his part, Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid mentioned that he would discuss with Biden "the necessity of renewing a strong global alliance to stop Iran's nuclear program" and other national security-related matters.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog affirmed that "Biden's visit is a journey of peace starting from Israel to Saudi Arabia," adding, "We will discuss the security risks posed by Iran and its proxies in the region." Biden arrived in Israel on Wednesday for his first tour of the Middle East. The U.S. presidential plane landed on Wednesday afternoon at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, where he was greeted by Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Yair Lapid.
