Day Two Overview:
I2U2 Virtual Meeting: President Biden started the day by convening a virtual meeting of the “I2U2” Group along with the Heads of Government of India, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to “tackle some of the greatest challenges confronting our world, with a particular focus on joint investments and new initiatives in water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security.”
U.S.-Israel Joint Declaration: President Biden and Prime Minister Lapid adopted the Jerusalem U.S.-Israel Strategic Partnership Joint Declaration reaffirming the unbreakable bonds between our two countries and the enduring commitment of the United States to Israel’s security. President Biden later reflected “how important it was, from [his] perspective, for Israel to be totally integrated into the region and completely integrated into the region.”
POTUS Remarks: President Biden and Prime Minister Lapid subsequently delivered remarks and fielded questions from the press. President Biden stressed that the United States “will be the last country in the world ever to walk away from Israel.”
Medal of Honor ceremony: President Biden then received the Medal of Honor from President Herzog. The President, in a nod to this week’s Torah portion, reiterated: “I see people who are growing more secure, more integrated, more confident, and more — have greater relations with their neighbors; a nation that has forged peace before and can do it again; and a nation that will never dwell alone. Because as long as we’re the United States, you will never, ever be alone.”
Maccabiah Games: And then finally, President Biden met with U.S. athletes at the Maccabiah Games before waving to the crowd of thousands from around the world who gathered for the quadrennial games.
Opening of Saudi Airspace: This morning, President Biden welcomed Saudi Arabia’s “historic decision to open its airspace for all civilian planes, including those flying to and from Israel,” which the President described as “an important step towards building a more integrated and stable Middle East region.”
Israeli President Herzog and I met earlier today to discuss the U.S.’ ironclad support for Israel’s security and efforts to widen the circle of peace in the region.
I celebrate our nation's deep bond with Israel.
— President Biden (@POTUS) July 14, 2022
This morning I sat down with Israeli Prime Minister Lapid to sign a new strategic U.S.-Israel partnership based on a bedrock of shared values, our commitment to preserve and strengthen Israel's defense capabilities, and a true and enduring friendship. pic.twitter.com/Sk2T1GkzgZ
— President Biden (@POTUS) July 14, 2022
Through my decades of service, I've watched Israel grow into its founding fathers' and mothers' wildest dreams.
It was my honor to be awarded the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor. pic.twitter.com/NFnqca69w0
— President Biden (@POTUS) July 15, 2022
