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.
The airport receiving line (Matti Friedman)
“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.
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From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
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