President George Bush spoke to the Knesset during his final visit to Israel as president in 2008. In his speech Bush confirmed the strong ties between the United States and Israel:
Some people suggest if the United States would just break ties with Israel, all our problems in the Middle East would go away. This is a tired argument that buys into the propaganda of the enemies of peace, and America utterly rejects it. Israel's population may be just over 7 million, but when you confront terror and evil, you are 307 million strong, because the United States of America stands with you.
President Obama arrived in Israel on Wednesday for his first visit since becoming president. Although there are many pressing issues surrounding the president's trip, including the recent reports of chemical attacks in Syria and the ongoing issues between Israel and Palestine, many have observed that this trip will not be remembered for any policy breakthroughs.
Unlike his predecessor, Obama is not scheduled to speak to the Knesset.