00:40Israel: Obama greeted by pro-Palestine protesters in Tel Aviv
Israel: Obama greeted by pro-Palestine protesters in Tel Aviv
Supporters of the state of Palestine marched in Tel Aviv, Israel on Tuesday in protest at the upcoming visit of US President Barack Obama, who is on a three-day trip to the region that will also take in the West Bank and Jordan.
Palestinian flags and placards featuring pictures of Obama reading "No hope", were carried by protesters, who were pushed back by a heavy security presence.
Obama is due to arrive in Tel Aviv later on Wednesday, March 20, on his first trip to Israel as president of the US. He is scheduled to visit an Iron Dome missile defence battery in the city before attending a bilateral meeting with President Shimon Peres in Jerusalem. The Iron Dome is a short-range rocket and mortar defence system used to shoot down projectiles.
Talks between Obama and Israel's leaders are expected to focus on the issue of Iran's nuclear capabilities. The US and Israel, among other countries, suspect Tehran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons. Iran says its nuclear programme is for civilian use only.
The US president is due to visit Ramallah in Palestine on Thursday, where anti-US protests have already been held. Activists there oppose US military support for Israel. US officials say Obama will try to encourage Palestinian and Israeli leaders to resume peace talks.
00:40Israel: Obama greeted by pro-Palestine protesters in Tel Aviv
Supporters of the state of Palestine marched in Tel Aviv, Israel on Tuesday in protest at the upcoming visit of US President Barack Obama, who is on a three-day trip to the region that will also take in the West Bank and Jordan.
Palestinian flags and placards featuring pictures of Obama reading "No hope", were carried by protesters, who were pushed back by a heavy security presence.
Obama is due to arrive in Tel Aviv later on Wednesday, March 20, on his first trip to Israel as president of the US. He is scheduled to visit an Iron Dome missile defence battery in the city before attending a bilateral meeting with President Shimon Peres in Jerusalem. The Iron Dome is a short-range rocket and mortar defence system used to shoot down projectiles.
Talks between Obama and Israel's leaders are expected to focus on the issue of Iran's nuclear capabilities. The US and Israel, among other countries, suspect Tehran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons. Iran says its nuclear programme is for civilian use only.
The US president is due to visit Ramallah in Palestine on Thursday, where anti-US protests have already been held. Activists there oppose US military support for Israel. US officials say Obama will try to encourage Palestinian and Israeli leaders to resume peace talks.