DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLIC SCHEDULE THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2014

DEPARTMENT OF STATE
PUBLIC SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2014

SECRETARY JOHN KERRY

Secretary Kerry is on foreign travel to Jerusalem. He is accompanied by Special Envoy for Israeli-Palestinian Negotiations Martin Indyk, Spokesperson Jen Psaki, and Vice Admiral Kurt Tidd, JCS. 

5:00 p.m. LOCAL Secretary Kerry meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in Jerusalem.

Israeli PM Netanyahu and US Secretary of Defense Hagel

PM Netanyahu: In the last four years, we’ve greatly enhanced the defense and security relationship between Israel and the United States, and I am absolutely confident that we will continue to further strengthen this under your stewardship of the American defense establishment.

(Communicated by the Israeli Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

Following are the statements made this morning (Tuesday, 23 April 2013), by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, prior to their meeting at the former's office in Jerusalem:

Prime Minister Netanyahu: "Secretary Hagel, Chuck, welcome to Jerusalem again, but this time in your current capacity as Secretary of Defense.

This is a special welcome. In the last four years, we’ve greatly enhanced the defense and security relationship between Israel and the United States, and I am absolutely confident that we will continue to further strengthen this under your stewardship of the American defense establishment. This is important because we face many challenges, as you well know, and I look forward to discussing with you how we overcome these challenges in our continued cooperation.

Israel appreciates deeply, the support, the military and security support, that it enjoys from the United States – it reflects a very deep alliance between our two countries and the defense of our common interests and our common values.

Nowhere are these values and interests challenged more than by the arming of terrorist groups by Iran with sophisticated weapons, and equally, Iran’s attempt to arm itself with nuclear weapons. This is a challenge that Israel cannot accept, and as you and President Obama have repeatedly said, Israel must be able to defend itself, by itself, against any threat. In any case, it is good to have you in Jerusalem.  It is good to have the support, friendship and alliance of the United States.  We deeply appreciate it.
Welcome to Jerusalem."

US Secy. Of Defense Hagel:  "Thank you.  Prime Minister Netanyahu, thank you.  I am grateful for your personal courtesies, hospitality and personal relationship.  I'm also pleased to be back in Israel.  As you have noted, I have been here many times.

My first trip was in the late 1980's when I was president of the USO, and I've always appreciate this country, the people, the leadership and the courage that you represent and what has been produced in Israel.  It is a model for the world, and the relationship between our two countries, just as you have noted, is as strong as it's ever been, not only measured by the military-to-military, all the other metrics that apply to relationships, but as you also noted, Prime Minister, it is based on common values and respect for others, and that is the foundation of any relationship.

You noted that the region is not getting any less complicated.  This is a difficult and dangerous time.  This is a time when friends and allies must remain close, closer than ever.  I'm committed to continue to strengthen this relationship, secure this relationship, and as you know, one of the main reasons I'm here is to do that.  I've had very good conversations the last two days with your Defense Minister.  I had a good conversation with President Peres yesterday.  I was able to take a long tour up in the north and the eastern borders here, and once again it reminds me of the dangers and difficulties and challenges.

But I believe together, working with our allies and our friends, we will be able to do what is right for your country, my country, and make this region a better region and a more secure region, and make Israel more secure.  So I look forward to our conversation, and thank you for your many courtesies in welcoming me to Israel.

Thank you."

Prime Minister Netanyahu:  "Let's go work."

President Barack Obama in Israel

PM Netanyahu and President Obama at presentation of the Iron Dome missile defense system (Photo: GPO)

From Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs - The State of Israel

President Barack Obama's visit to Israel reaffirms the deep and multifaceted relations between Israel and the United States. These relations are rooted in shared values and common interest.

The State and people of Israel know America will always have Israel's back when it comes to Israel's security. Together, our two nations are working to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear military capabilities and denouncing those who seek to twist history and the 3,000 year old connection of the Jewish people to the land of Israel.

America's support and cooperation on joint defense ventures give Israel the ability to defend itself, by itself. The visit is a powerful message of friendship and the strong alliance between our nations.

Some may seek to point out the differences between us, but the true indicator is looking at how close we truly are. It is an unbreakable alliance based not only on our mutual security interests and economic interests, but also on our shared values and common interests.

We are proud to welcome President Obama to Israel to highlight the friendship between our two nations - a bond that is stronger than it has ever been.

Watch the live broadcasts from President Obama's visit to Israel

Itinerary of visit

President Peres and President Obama on arrival at Ben Gurion Airport (Photo: GPO)

Wednesday, 20 March 2013

12:30 – Welcoming ceremony at Ben-Gurion International Airport
Presentation of Israel’s multi-layered defense system: Iron Dome, Magic Wand, Arrow 2, Arrow 3
16:00 – Meeting with President Shimon Peres
17:30 – Meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
20:10 – Press conference at the official residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
20:30 – Dinner at the official residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Thursday, 21 March 2013

09:10 – Tour of the Israel Museum
Presentation of the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Shrine of the Book, Special technology exhibit in honor of the President: "Israel Technology for a Better World"
Visit to the Palestinian Authority
17:00 – US President’s speech to students at the Jerusalem International Convention Center (Binyanei Hauma)
18:00 – Meeting in Jerusalem with embassy and consulate-general personnel
20:00 – State dinner at the official residence of President Shimon Peres, with the participation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife

Friday, 22 March 2013

08:50 – Wreath-laying ceremony at Herzl’s grave
Wreath-laying ceremony at Rabin’s grave
Visit Yad Vashem
10:50 – Meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
12:30 – Visit Church of the Nativity
15:10 – Departure ceremony at Ben-Gurion International Airport with the participation of President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

The President's Schedule Today

President Barack Obama talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as they walk across the tarmac at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, March 20, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

3:20 AM	The President views the Dead Sea Scrolls Local Event Time:  9:20 AM Jerusalem, The Israel Museum
3:35 AM	The President visits a technology exposition Local Event Time:  9:35 AM Jerusalem, The Israel Museum Travel Pool Coverage
5:15 AM	The President participates in an official arrival ceremony Local Event Time:  11:15 AM Muqata Presidential Compound, Ramallah
5:30 AM	The President takes a photo with his delegation and President Abbas and his delegation Local Event Time:  11:30 AM Muqata Presidential Compound, Ramallah
5:40 AM	The President holds a restricted bilateral meeting with President Abbas Local Event Time:  11:40 AM Muqata Presidential Compound, Ramallah
6:25 AM	The President and President Abbas meet for an expanded working lunch Local Event Time:  12:25 PM Muqata Presidential Compound, Ramallah
7:15 AM	The President and President Abbas hold a joint press conference Local Event Time:  1:15 PM Muqata Presidential Compound, Ramallah
8:00 AM	The President and Prime Minister Fayyad tour the Al-Bireh Youth Center and watch a youth dance performance Local Event Time:  2:00 PM Al-Bireh Youth Center, Ramallah
8:50 AM	The President holds a roundtable with Palestinian youth Local Event Time:  2:50 PM Al-Bireh Youth Center, Ramallah
11:00 AM	The President delivers remarks to the Israeli people Local Event Time:  5:00 PM Jerusalem, Jerusalem Convention Center The Vice President Biden joins New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg at City Hall to discuss the importance of passing commonsense legislation to reduce gun violence New York City Hall
12:00 PM	The Vice President delivers remarks at the 2013 Irish America Hall of Fame JW Marriott Essex House hotel
12:10 PM	The President meets with U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv and U.S. Consulate General Jerusalem staff Local Event Time:  6:10 PM Jerusalem, U.S. Consular Facility
2:10 PM	The President delivers remarks at a dinner hosted by President Peres Local Event Time:  8:10 PM Jerusalem, President’s Residence