Prime minister and his embattled wife depart for Latin America on state visit that will also take them to New York and a meeting with Trump
Minutes before setting off on a state visit to Latin America, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife thanked the public for its support as she faces an impending fraud indictment for misuse of state funds.
“I want to say thank you to the thousands and thousands and thousands of Israeli citizens and people from the all over the world, who support me, help me and encourage me,” said Sara Netanyahu.
“I want to say that in good days, and in less good days, your help and your support give me strength to continue doing all the real things I do for all those who need help, which I try to do to the best of my abilities,” added the prime minister’s wife, who also works as an educational psychologist at the Jerusalem municipality.
She concluded with greetings for the Jewish New Year. “I simply [wish] everyone a Shana Tova. That the new year should bring only good for all of us.”
Speaking to reporters before boarding the flight to Buenos Aires, the prime minister confirmed that he will be meeting with US President Donald Trump later this month.
“I looking forward to my meeting with President Trump, my friend, in the United States, in New York,” he said.
He also expressed concern for those affected by the destructive and deadly Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, which hit Texas and Florida.
“I want to take this opportunity to wish all our friends in the United States that they emerge safe and sounds from these difficult times,” he said. “This storm, too, shall pass. And every citizen of Israel is praying for the safety of the citizens of the United States of America.”
Netanyahu told reporters he had spoken to Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto to express condolences on the earthquake which struck the country on Friday, killing at least 90 people.
Netanyahu said he told Nieto that, “Israel was ready to give any assistance at our disposal.” He described the conversation as “very touching,” and said that the two would continue the discussion when they meet in person in a few days.
The trip — hailed by Netanyahu as “historic” because it marks the first time a sitting Israeli prime minister visits Latin America — comes amid investigations of alleged criminal wrongdoing by the Netanyahus.
A 16-page draft indictment to be served against Sara Netanyahu details allegedly illegal spending of up to NIS 25,000 (some $7,000) per month by the prime minister’s wife on meals from top restaurants in Jerusalem.
The prime minister is also suspected in at least two separate cases.
Adding to the first couple’s woes, their eldest son, Yair Netanyahu, caused a media and political storm on Friday after he posted on his Facebook page a cartoon aimed at critics of his parents, but widely panned for being based on anti-Semitic motifs. He removed the post on Sunday.
Netanyahu and his entourage — which includes a delegation of businesspeople — are due to fly for 20 hours — including a stopover in Madrid — before arriving in Buenos Aires on Monday. There he is due to attend ceremonies to commemorate two terror attacks in the early 1990s that targeted local Jews and Israeli diplomats.
On Tuesday, Netanyahu is scheduled to lay a wreath at the Monument to General San Martín and the Armies of Independence before heading to a meeting with President Mauricio Macri. During their meeting, Israel and Argentina will sign a series of agreements on public security, customs and social insurance as well as an archives agreement regarding the Holocaust, according to the PMO.
After the two leaders address the press, they will be joined by President of Paraguay Horacio Cartes for lunch, before Netanyahu is set to headline an economic forum for Argentine and Israeli businessmen.
On Wednesday morning, the prime minister’s delegation will fly seven hours from Buenos Aires to Bogota, for a whirlwind visit to meet with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, sign bilateral agreements on science and tourism cooperation, and visit the local Jewish community.
Later in the day, Netanyahu will make his way to Mexico for a meeting with Pena, during which Mexico and Israel will sign joint agreements on space, aviation, communications and development cooperation. In Mexico City, too, the prime minister will address a forum to encourage bilateral trade and attend an event organized by the local Jewish community.
Netanyahu’s travel plans were unaffected by Friday’s earthquake — Mexico’s strongest in a century — which killed dozens and was felt in the capital.
On September 15, Netanyahu will head from Mexico City to New York, where he is expected to conduct a series of meetings with world leaders, including Trump. No details of his meetings in the Big Apple have been released yet.
On September 19, the prime minister is scheduled to address to deliver his annual address to the United Nations General Assembly. Minutes after wrapping up his speech, he will rush the airport to arrive in Israel in time for the onset of the Jewish New Year, which starts on September 20.
As reported by The Times of Israel