JERUSALEM – Rep. Eliot Engel got a choice upgrade – joining President Obama aboard Air Force One on his trip to Israel.
The Democrat from the Bronx / Westchester touched down with Obama in Tel Aviv this afternoon here. Engel is the top Democrat on the House International Relations Committee and a longtime Israel booster.
He was one of several Jewish Democrats urging Obama to come here during last year’s election campaign.
Also hopping a ride was Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who helped steer Obama to reelection as head of the Democratic National Committee.
“Israel is one of our closest allies in the world and President Obama’s visit is a powerful reminder of the unbreakable bonds between our two nations,” Engel said.
Both lawmakers will have top bragging rights when they get back home and can name-drop top Israeli officials who are converging here.
Obama has a formal meeting with President Shimon Peres, dinner with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a joint press conference on the agenda today. Tomorrow he goes to Ramallah in the West Bank.
At an arrival ceremony, Netanyahu made the first of what are certain to be many laudatory comments as the two leaders try to warm up their chilly relationship.
“I come here today with a simple message for you and the people of the United States: Thank you. Thanking for standing with Israel.”