Netanyahu: I hope one day an Israeli PM can fly from Tel Aviv to Riyadh

Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu (L) speaks during US President Donald Trump's (R) visit to Israel Museum in Jerusalem on 23 May 2017. [Israeli Government Press Office/Haim Zach/Handout]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday greeted American President Donald Trump upon his arrival in Ben Gurion Airport and expressed that his hopes that one day an Israeli prime minister could travel from Tel Aviv to Riyadh.

“Mr President, you just flew from Riyadh to Tel Aviv. I hope that one day an Israeli prime minister will be able to fly from Tel Aviv to Riyadh,” Netanyahu said.

May your first trip to our region prove to be a historic milestone on the path towards reconciliation and peace. I look forward to working with you in the years ahead, Mr President, to advance security, prosperity and peace.

“I am confident that under your leadership, the remarkable alliance between Israel and the United States will become ever greater, ever stronger.”

Netanyahu concluded his speech saying: “May God bless you, Mr. President, may God bless Israel and may God bless the United States of America.”

Meanwhile, in his speech at the airport, Trump said: “I am deeply grateful for your invitation and very, very honoured to be with you… I have come to this sacred and ancient land to reaffirm the unbreakable bond between the United States and the State of Israel.”

“In this land so rich in history, Israel has built one of the world’s great civilisations, a strong, resilient, determined and prosperous nation. It is also a nation forged in the commitment that we will never allow the horrors and atrocities of the last century to be repeated.

Now we must work together to build a future where the nations of the region are at peace, and all of our children can grow and grow up strong and grow up free from terrorism and violence.

Trump concluded his speech saying: “We love Israel; we respect Israel. And I send your people the warmest greetings from your friend and ally, all of the people in the United States of America. We are with you. Thank you and God bless you.”