PHOTOS: Senator Rand Paul, Rich Roberts and a group of one hundred Evangelical leaders arrived in Israel last Sunday night, in what was the Senator’s first trip to the State. The trip was sponsored by Lakewood resident Rich Roberts. 

The U.S. Senator for Kentucky met with many public officials during this short visit to the region. 

Early in the week, the group met with, include Colonial Dr. Eran Lerman, Deputy for Foreign Policy and International Affairs at the Prime Minister Office, National Security Council of Israel, Member of Knesset Dan Meridor, candidate for Knesset Naphtali Bennett and President Shimon Peres.

The group was also given a private tour of the Kosel tunnels.

Tuesday, Senator Paul and his Chief-of-Staff attended a meeting with Mahmoud Abbas, the leader of the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah. The Jews from the group were not allowed to attend.

After the PA meeting, Senator Paul, Rich Roberts and a select few others went to visit the Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. After a brief photo session, the Prime Minister met with Senator Paul, and his Chief of Staff Doug Stafford, for about 45 minutes.

The trip fuels speculations that the U.S. Senator plans a 2016 bid for the White House.

The group is set to return this week. TLS.