President Obama even made a light-hearted reference to Mr Netanyahu's warning of a "red line" with Iran's nuclear programme.

BBC: Obama limo breaks down in Israel after 'fuel mix-up'

The gift was a light-hearted reference to US Vice-President Joe Biden's recent remark that the new US administration wanted to reset ties with Russia after years of friction.

BBC: Button gaffe embarrasses Clinton

Now, perhaps, the memory of his life can serve as a light for others, as a point of reference on our horizons.

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