US Vice President Mike Pence landed in Israel on Thursday morning, followed minutes later by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Pence and Putin will participate in the World Holocaust Forum in Jerusalem and will meet with PM Netanyahu and President Rivlin.
Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz greeted Pence upon his arrival , thanking him for coming and for the "stronger-than-ever" friendship between Israel and the US based on shared values.
"The steps you - President Trump and VP Pence - have taken to strengthen the connection between Israel and the US - testify to your great courage and leadership, and we appreciate this," Katz emphasized.
Pence responded, "We will always stand by you."