Barack Obama will meet with both Israeli and Palestinian officials during his visit to Israel and the West Bank on July 22 and 23, 2008.Reuters: Obama to visit Israel and West Bank next week (July 14, 2008)
The trip, Obama's first high-profile foreign visit, has excited security concerns and drawn a mixed response from Republican presidential candidate John McCain.The New York Times: A Mixed Take by McCain Camp on Obama’s Trip to War Zones (July 18, 2008)
Security Concerns
Barack Obama's trip to Israel and the West Bank has raised concerns for his security. Officials have been wary of the safety of the visit since shots were fired at Tel Aviv airport during a visit by Nicolas Sarkozy in June 2008.Drudge Report: Security Fears Shadow Obama Tour (July 18, 2008)
A foot-tour of the old city in Jerusalem has already been canceled.Drudge Report: Security Fears Shadow Obama Tour (July 18, 2008)