Biden to visit Palmachim Air Base during Israel visit

JERUSALEM

US President Joe Biden will visit the Palmachim Air Base in central Israel during his tour in the region next week, the Israeli Defense Ministry said Thursday.

A ministry statement said the base has been prepared by the Directorate of Research and Development of the Missile Defense Organization to welcome the US president.

“Multiple defense systems will be presented to President Biden, including: the "Arrow", "David's Sling", the "Iron Dome", and a high-energy laser interception system”, all of which are defense systems against missiles,” it added.

Biden is scheduled to arrive in Israel on July 13 at the start of a regional tour that will also include the West Bank city of Ramallah and Saudi Arabia.

During his trip to Ramallah, the US leader will meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

*Ikram Imane Kouachi in Ankara contributed to this report.