President Obama landed in Israel today—the first visit to the nation in his presidency. White House officials say that the two-day trip isn’t a mission to discuss any specific peace initiative between Israelis and Palestinians, but is rather an effort in “deepening the relationship” with the Israeli people. Obama was immediately greeted by President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and told reporters waiting at the tarmac, “I see this visit as an opportunity to reaffirm the unbreakable bond between our two nations … We stand together because we share a common history. We stand together because peace must come to the Holy Land.” The president only briefly mentioned Israel’s “neighbor” (and didn’t mention the Palestinians by name). He went on to say, “I walk with you on the historic homeland of the Jewish people,” and referred to Israelis as “the sons of Abraham and daughters of Sarah” …
