JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for Washington on Monday to meet with President Trump and attend funeral services for the late U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a longtime ally of Israel.

Netanyahu’s office said the prime minister took off shortly before 1 p.m. from Nevatim Airbase near Beersheba after a two-hour delay from the originally scheduled 11 a.m. departure. Flight tracking data confirmed the takeoff from the air force base rather than Ben Gurion Airport. No explanation was provided for the change in departure location or the delay. Netanyahu traveled on the state plane Wing of Zion without journalists aboard.

In a statement before departure, Netanyahu said the trip marks his eighth meeting with Trump since the U.S. president’s election to a second term — more than any other international leader.

“This is a great privilege, but it is also a great responsibility,” Netanyahu said. “From my experience as prime minister, during these complex times we must act with both great determination and great wisdom. We will discuss all the issues on the agenda, first and foremost, Iran. Naturally, our goal is to safeguard our security and also to expand the circle of peace around us.”

He added that he is embarking on the mission “with one clear goal — to ensure the security, strength, and future of our dear State of Israel.”

Netanyahu also said he would pay final respects to Graham, describing the late South Carolina senator as “a true friend of mine and of the State of Israel” and “one of the greatest friends the State of Israel has ever known.” He said he was certain he represented Israeli citizens in that regard.

The prime minister is scheduled to meet Trump on Tuesday and attend Graham’s funeral service.