U.S. Vice President Pence's Visit to Israel: Here's the Full Itinerary
Mike Pence's one-and-a-half day trip will include dinner with the Netanyahus and a visit to the Western Wall
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence will arrive in Israel on Sunday as part of his visit to the region, which includes stops in Egypt and Jordan. Pence's spokeswoman said the trip was "integral to America’s national security and diplomatic objectives," and is taking place in the shadow of a possible U.S. government shutdown over government funding.
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Pence's trip was supposed to include a stop in Bethlehem and a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. However, following U.S. President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the Palestinians claimed that the U.S. is no longer a suitable mediator in the peace process and retracted Pence's invitation, saying he was no longer welcome in Palestine.
Here are the highlight of Pence's upcoming trip to Israel, which will last a day and a half.
Sunday, January 21st
19:30 Arrival at Ben-Gurion International Airport, where Pence will be welcomed by Minister of Tourism Yariv Levin
Monday, January 22nd
10:00 Welcome ceremony at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem.
13:30 Visit to the Knesset, where Pence will address the plenum and meet with Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein.
20:00 Dinner at the Prime Minister's Resident with the Netanyahus
Tuesday, January 23rd
10:45 Meeting with President Reuven Rivlin at the President's Residence in Jerusalem.
12:00 Tour of Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem, including a wreath-laying ceremony in the Hall of Remembrance
13:45 Visit to the Western Wall in Jerusalem
17:20 Departure