President Obama will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Nov. 9, to talk about a range of security issues, including the Iran nuclear agreement.
“The president looks forward to discussing with the prime minister regional security issues, including implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action to peacefully and verifiably prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, and countering Tehran’s destabilizing activities,” the White House said.
White House press secretary Josh Earnest said the meeting will focus on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, and the need for the genuine advancement of a two-state solution, as well as the “deep and enduring bonds between the U.S and Israel” and further efforts to enhance Israel’s security.
Republicans have criticized Obama for agreeing to an Iran deal that they say will put Israel more at risk, in particular by ending the conventional arms embargo against Iran. But the White House said the meeting shows the strong bonds that still exist between the two countries.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit is a demonstration of the deep and enduring bonds between the United States and Israel as well as the unprecedented security cooperation, including our close consultations to further enhance Israel’s security,” it said.
Administration officials had said Netanyahu would visit Washington before the end of the year but had not announced a date certain before Wednesday. The visit comes after sharp clashes between the Israeli prime minister and Obama and other administration officials over the Iran deal and the dangers Iran could pose to Israel and other U.S. allies once sanctions are lifted on Tehran.
Senior editor Pete Kasperowicz contributed to this report.
