Biden commits to Israel’s security as he embarks on Middle East tour

After the visit a communique titled the Jerusalem Declaration' will reaffirm Israel's right to defend itself

Joe Biden has said that the US is committed to Israel's security on arriving in Tel Aviv for the first leg of a three-day visit to the Middle East, a trip focused on deepening the majority Jewish state's ties with the Arab world as the region faces a common foe in Iran.

The US leader was greeted by the Israeli president, Isaac Herzog and caretaker prime minister, Yair Lapid on Air Force One's arrival at Ben Gurion airport on Wednesday afternoon, fist-bumping rather than shaking hands with Israeli officials during the red carpet welcome, over what the White House said was concern over rising Covid cases.