Obama arrives in Israel, reaffirms support

Jerusalem (PTI): Barack Obama on Wednesday landed in Israel on his first visit to the Jewish state as US President in what is expected to be a show of America's unwavering support to its closest ally in the region which is grappling with the Syrian crisis and Iran's nuclear programme. On arrival to a red carpet welcome, Obama told the Israeli people that the "United States is proud to stand with you as your strongest ally and your greatest friend." The trip is part of his sweep across the Middle East, which will include visits to the West Bank and Jordan.