WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 15:  U.S. President Donald Trump (R) and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) shake hands during a joint news conference at the East Room of the White House February 15, 2017 in Washington, DC. President Trump hosted Prime Minister Netanyahu for talks for the first time since Trump took office on January 20.  (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Netanyahu welcomes Trump 'with open arms'
01:24 - Source: CNN

Story highlights

Israel is the second leg of his first foriegn trip as president

He landed in Tel Aviv

CNN  — 

President Donald Trump landed in Israel on Monday for the second leg of his first foreign trip as president where he will tackle the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, address regional security issues and reaffirm the US’ commitment to its alliance with Israel.

The visit is the second of three stops on the President’s schedule aimed at highlighting the importance of the world’s three largest monotheistic religions. He arrived in Israel after visiting Saudi Arabia, home to the two holiest sites in Islam, and will next head to the Vatican, home of the Catholic Church.

“Young Israeli and Palestinian children deserve to grow up in safety, and to follow their dreams free from the violence that has destroyed so many lives,” said Trump, in remarks alongside Israeli President Reuven Rivlin in Jerusalem on Monday.

“Thank both you and Prime Minister (Benjamin) Netanyahu for your commitment to achieving peace between Israelis and Palestinians,” Trump told Rivlin. “I also look forward to discussing the peace process with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.”

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 15:  U.S. President Donald Trump (R) and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) shake hands during a joint news conference at the East Room of the White House February 15, 2017 in Washington, DC. President Trump hosted Prime Minister Netanyahu for talks for the first time since Trump took office on January 20.  (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Netanyahu welcomes Trump 'with open arms'
01:24 - Source: CNN

The schedule:

After landing in Tel Aviv, Trump will head to Jerusalem for a series of meetings, speeches and symbolic visits.

Day 1:

  • Meets with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin
  • Visits the Church of the Holy Sepulcher
  • Visits Western Wall
  • Meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Day 2:

  • Travels to the West Bank city of Bethlehem to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas
  • Visits Israel’s Holocaust museum, Yad Vashem, to lay a wreath
  • Delivers remarks at the Israel Museum