President Obama in Israel for first trip as president, says US is Israel's 'strongest ally'

JERUSALEM, Israel -- President Barack Obama was greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Wednesday upon landing in Tel Aviv Wednesday.

The president embarked on his first trip to Israel since taking office. He will spend several days visiting Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Air Force One touched down in Tel Aviv early Wednesday afternoon after an overnight flight from Washington and after speaking with Netanyahu his delegation traveled by helicopter to Jerusalem.

Obama called the U.S. Israel's "strongest ally and your greatest friend."

The president will also make stops in the West Bank and Jordan while in the Middle East.

Obama's agenda will focus on the prospects for peace between the Israelis and Palestinians, Iran's disputed nuclear program and the ongoing violence in Syria. However, White House officials have downplayed the prospects for major breakthroughs on any of those issues.