Israel
Israel rolls out the red carpet ahead of Trump visit
The US president will arrive at Ben-Gurion International Airport on Monday morning
October 12, 2025 12:38
The US president will arrive at Ben-Gurion International Airport on Monday morning
October 12, 2025 12:38The Israeli Defence Ministry is putting the finishing touches on an elaborate welcome ceremony to be staged at Ben-Gurion International Airport as the Jewish state prepares to welcome US President Donald Trump on Monday.
Preparations include installing a 50-metre (164-foot) red carpet and dozens of US and Israeli flags in honour of President Trump, who is well known for his love of pomp and ceremony.
The visit comes at a critical moment as the Israel-Hamas deal for the hostages’ release unfolds.
The ministry’s Amon Division (operations, logistics and assets) is responsible for organising the reception for the president, with personnel “working around the clock” to prepare for the visit.
Division head Erez Tzidon said: “The visit of the US president against the backdrop of the framework for the release of our hostages is accompanied by excitement and great anticipation. The staff of the Amon Division have been working around the clock in recent days to ensure that everything will proceed according to plan and that the event will pass in a successful and dignified manner.”
Trump is scheduled to touch down in Israel on Monday morning for a four-hour visit that includes meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, other top officials and hostage families.
According to a schedule published by Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office, the US leader will be welcomed at Ben-Gurion Airport at 9.20 am local time by Netanyahu and Israeli President Herzog.
At 10.15, Netanyahu will host Trump in his parliamentary office, followed by a meeting with families of hostages held by Hamas.
Trump is then scheduled to address, for the first time, a special session of the Knesset alongside Netanyahu and Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid, at 11am.
The flying visit is set to conclude at 1pm with a farewell at Ben-Gurion Airport. There will not be a public ceremony to mark his departure.
Trump will then head to Egypt, where he is expected to attend a meeting with more than 20 world leaders to discuss the future of the Gaza Strip.
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