Trump's First Foreign Trip Will Take Him to Israel for 50th Anniversary of Their Six-Day War: He'll Make a Speech at This Historic Landmark

Benjamin Gill : May 5, 2017
CBN News

The Israel portion of Trump's trip is expected to take place May 22-23. Members of Trump's preparatory team, who have visited Israel to plan the president's itinerary, indicated he will deliver his main speech at the historic landmark of Masada, Israel's Channel 2 reported.

(Washington, DC) — [CBN News] President Trump confirmed Thursday morning at a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden of the White House that he will be visiting Saudi Arabia, Rome, and Israel this month at an historic time for the Jewish people. (Photo Credit: CBN News)

Trump's first overseas trip as president indicates special support for America's top Mideast ally, Israel, since it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Six-Day War.

Israel regained control of Jerusalem during that war, and the timing leads some to speculate that President Trump could use the occasion to announce he's moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Such a move would recognize Israel's ancient claim to the Holy City.

Rep. Ron DeSantis tells CBN News White House Correspondent Jennifer Wishon believes Trump will make that move.

The White House Office of the Press Secretary issued a statement about the Israel visit saying:

"The leaders will discuss a range of regional issues, including the need to counter the threats posed by Iran and its proxies, and by ISIS and other terrorist groups. They will also discuss ways to advance a genuine and lasting peace between the Israelis and Palestinians."

During the trip, President Trump will also visit Saudi Arabia.

"The visit will reaffirm the strong partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia and allow the leaders to discuss issues of strategic concern, including efforts to defeat terrorist groups and discredit radical ideologies," the White House statement said.

Trump will make a stop in Rome, as well, where he will meet with Pope Francis.

His trip is clearly intended to send a message of unity to the world since he's visiting the countries at the center of three major religions: Judaism, Catholicism, and Islam.

The president will wrap up his trip by attending a NATO meeting in Brussels on May 25 and the G7 summit in Sicily the next day.

CBN News