Although now seemingly a routine occurrence, it is easy to forget that for more than a quarter-century, consecutive American presidents refrained from visiting the Jewish state.
By MARK REGEV
AFTER ADDRESSING the Knesset, then-US president George W. Bush receives applause from Israeli counterpart Shimon Peres, and Dalia Itzik, who served as Knesset speaker, in 2008. (photo credit: LIOR MIZRAHI/FLASH90)
Israelis were delighted to see US President Joe Biden touch down at Ben-Gurion Airport, his visit reminding them of Israel’s robust alliance with the world’s preeminent power. Although now seemingly a routine occurrence, it is easy to forget that for more than a quarter-century, consecutive American presidents refrained from visiting the Jewish state.
