Remarks Prior to a Meeting With Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and an Exchange With Reporters

President Biden. Everybody in?

Q. Yes, sir.

[At this point, President Biden reached over to shake Prime Minister Netanyahu's hand.]

President Biden. Welcome. Have a seat. Well, welcome back, Mr. Prime Minister. We've got a lot to talk about. I think we should get to it. But the floor is yours.

Prime Minister Netanyahu. Mr. President, we've known each other for 40 years. And you've known every Israeli Prime Minister for 50 years, from Golda Meir.

So, from a proud Jewish Zionist to a proud Irish American Zionist, I want to thank you for 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the State of Israel.

And I look forward to discussing with you today and working with you in the months ahead on the great issues before us.

President Biden. I look forward to it as well.

By the way, that first meeting with Prime Minister Golda Meir—and she had an assistant sitting next to me, a guy named Rabin. That's how far back it goes. I was only 12 then, but—[laughter]—anyway, thank you, all, for being here.

Q. Can you talk about the cease-fire?

[Several reporters began asking questions at once.

Q. How soon can we expect a cease-fire?

Q. Mr. President—Mr. President, why did you drop out of the race?

[Several reporters spoke at once.]

The President's Decision Not To Seek Reelection

Q. Mr. President, did you drop out of the race because of your health?

[President Biden shook his head.]