NY governor offers 'total solidarity' for Israel over monthlong Gaza war in Jerusalem visit

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during his meeting with Israel's President Reuven Rivlin, at the President's residence in Jerusalem, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner) (The Associated Press)

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Israel's President Reuven Rivlin, right, speaks with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo during their meeting at the President's residence in Jerusalem, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner) (The Associated Press)

Israel's President Reuven Rivlin shakes hands with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo during their meeting at the President's residence in Jerusalem, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner) (The Associated Press)

JERUSALEM – New York's governor is visiting Israel, where he is expressing "total solidarity" with the country in the monthlong Gaza war.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo met with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, hours before a temporary cease-fire between Israel and Hamas was set to expire. Israeli and Palestinian delegations were engaged in talks in Egypt over a long-term cease-fire and new arrangements for Gaza.

Rivlin and Netanyahu praised Cuomo for his support, and said they were certain that the United States would continue to stand behind Israel.

Cuomo's office said he would not visit Palestinian territories or meet Palestinian officials during the trip.

New York is home to 1.7 million Jews, the largest concentration outside of Israel. This is Cuomo's fourth trip to Israel.