AP
According to the itinerary for the trip, Paul has confirmed meetings this week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli President Shimon Peres, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, King Abdullah II, and other prominent Israeli politicians. For parts of the trip, Paul will also be accompanied by about 50 evangelical leaders and party activists, including the state GOP chairs of Iowa and South Carolina — two key early primary states.
The tour was funded by the conservative American Family Association, and organized by evangelical kingmaker David Lane and former pharmaceuticals executive Richard Roberts, a prominent member of the Orthodox Jewish community who donates heavily to the GOP.
The trip is the latest push to boost Paul's
Like his father, Sen. Paul opposes
It seems likely that Paul will make similar overtures during his meetings here this week, although it is not clear whether it will be enough to satisfy Israel hardliners in either country. Paul's visit also comes at a tense moment for Israel, which is poised to slide even further to the right after the country's elections later this month.
Needless to say, it is going to be an interesting week for Paul and his fellow travelers. I'll be covering the trip from the ground, so check back on Business Insider's