Sadat becomes first Arab leader to visit Israel 40 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (Nov 19 1977)


Video: 'SYND 19 11 77 EGYPT'S PRESIDENT SADAT ARRIVES AND IS GREETED'

(Saturday, November 19, 1977, 7:59 p.m. IST; during the Arab–Israeli conflict) — As trumpets sounded a fanfare, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat arrived in Israel tonight carrying new proposals for peace between the Jewish state and its Arab neighbors.

The flag of Egypt fluttered over Ben Gurion Airport as Sadat bounded down the steps of his jetliner on a cool Israeli night to receive a warm greeting from Prime Minister Menahem Begin.

The two leaders, whose countries have fought four wars in the past 29 years, then stood stiffly side-by-side, looking somber and pensive, as the thunder of a 21-gun artillery salute punctuated the playing of the Egyptian and Israeli national anthems.