Tel Aviv: As Israel continues to welcome the release of hostages held by Hamas, US President Donald Trump has arrived in the country for a brief visit. His plane touched down at Ben Gurion Airport, just outside Tel Aviv, where he was greeted by a distinguished delegation, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, senior adviser Jared Kushner and his daughter Ivanka Trump.
Stepping onto the tarmac, Trump smiled broadly and briefly raised his fist in acknowledgment of the assembled officials and media, signaling a moment of optimism and solidarity. Prime Minister Netanyahu warmly welcomed the US president with a handshake, reflecting the close diplomatic ties between the two nations.
During his visit, Trump is set to be awarded the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, the country’s highest civilian accolade. According to the office of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, the award recognizes Trump’s pivotal role in securing the release of 48 hostages from Hamas captivity, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. President Herzog will formally notify Trump of the honor during their meeting at the Israeli parliament later today, with the medal to be presented in the coming months.
Trump’s arrival coincides with a historic moment for Israel, as the nation celebrates the return of hostages and navigates complex security and diplomatic challenges. The visit underscores the US’s active involvement in facilitating the safe release of hostages and highlights the personal rapport between the US president and Israeli leadership.
The brief trip is expected to include discussions on regional security, diplomatic cooperation, and ongoing humanitarian efforts connected to the hostages’ release, reinforcing the broader US-Israel partnership amid a critical juncture in Middle Eastern affairs.