Trump arrives Israel, greets Netanyahu, Herzog at Ben Gurion Airport

With a red carpet laid out and a military band playing, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and their spouses formally welcomed US President Donald Trump upon his arrival in Israel on Monday morning.

Trump stepped off Air Force One alone, smiling and raising a fist before descending the stairs to greet the Israeli leaders.

On the tarmac, Trump first shook hands with President Herzog, then placed a hand on Netanyahu’s shoulder, exchanging warm words with both leaders and their spouses in what observers described as a cordial and friendly conversation.

Following the initial greetings, Trump spoke briefly with US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and Israeli Ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter, as Netanyahu looked on.

The visit marks Trump’s first to Israel since brokering the ceasefire and hostage-release agreement between Israel and Hamas, which went into effect last week.