BICOM

It is reported in both Yediot Ahronot and Haaretz this morning that Israeli officials have formulated a timetable for US President Obama’s visit to Israel next month, which Israel’s National Security Advisor Yaakov Amidror will present to White House officials this week.

Although the Obama administration is yet to approve the itinerary, the Israeli-planned schedule sees President Obama arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport on Wednesday 20 March, where top Israeli officials — including President Peres and Prime Minister Netanyahu — will greet him. Following a visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial and the Mount Herzl national cemetery, Obama will meet with Netanyahu and other top officials at the Prime Minister’s Jerusalem residence. A press conference will then be held for the two leaders. Speaking yesterday, Netanyahu said “Iran, Syria and the pursuit of peace are three of the main subjects that I intend to take up with President Obama when he comes here to visit Israel.”

According to the draft itinerary, Obama will travel to Ramallah the next morning to meet with Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas and other senior Palestinian leaders. He will return to Jerusalem later in the day to deliver a speech to the Israeli public, attended by around one thousand Israelis. The Hebrew University and Jerusalem’s International Convention Centre are apparently two possible venues. The day is programmed to conclude with an official dinner in honour of Obama at President Peres’ residence.

The final day of the visit is scheduled to comprise of a further meeting between Obama and Netanyahu before a visit to an Iron Dome battery according to Yediot Ahronot, while Haaretz suggests that a visit to the Israel Museum or Israeli high-tech companies will take place.