Biden to face questions at news conference in Israel
Biden to face questions at news conference in Israel The Washington Post
Today, President Biden said the United States is “not going to wait forever” for Iran to rejoin a nuclear deal as he held a joint news conference in Jerusalem with Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid, in which both leaders vowed not to let Iran develop nuclear weapons. Biden also defended his upcoming meeting with the Saudi crown prince who is believed by U.S. intelligence officials to have ordered the killing and dismemberment of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, saying the Saudis must be involved in any effort to stabilize a volatile region.
Later Wednesday, Biden will receive the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, the highest civil medal given by Israel, whose previous recipients include former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. Biden is making his first trip to Israel as president.
Meanwhile, Congress is honoring West Virginia native Hershel “Woody” Williams, who until his recent death at age 98 was the last living Congressional Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. Congressional leaders will pay tribute at a ceremony at the Capitol, where Williams will lie in honor.
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The latest: Biden welcomed at residence of Israeli president
President Biden arrived shortly before 5 p.m. at the residence of Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem as he continued his first trip to Israel since taking office.
The Post’s Tyler Pager, who is traveling with Biden and serving as the pool reporter for the White House Correspondents’ Association, notes that after emerging from his limousine known as The Beast and removing his aviator sunglasses, Biden was greeted by Herzog and his wife, Michal.
Biden, who aides said would be less tactile on this trip due to covid considerations, put his hands on both of their shoulders and they embraced and chatted.
The three then walked down a red carpet as they were greeted by the Israeli Honor Guard and children holding Israeli and American flags. Biden leaned down at various points to greet the children.
Before entering the residence, Biden signed a welcome book as Herzog stood next to him. Asked what he wrote in the book, Biden noted that Herzog’s grandfather was the chief rabbi of Ireland and that his father was born there.
“It’s a great day for the Irish,” Herzog said before the two leaders headed into a meeting closed to journalists.
