House Speaker John A. Boehner will visit Israel during the next district work period, amid heightened tensions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the White House.
“He looks forward to visiting the country, discussing our shared priorities for peace and security in the region, and further strengthening the bond between the United States and Israel,” said Boehner spokesman Kevin Smith.
The visit was planned long before Mr. Netanyahu, at Mr. Boehner’s invitation, addressed a joint session of Congress earlier this month and warned of the dangers of a potential deal on Iran’s nuclear program President Obama is currently working to negotiate. Mr. Boehner has traveled to Israel a number of times, the most recent trip coming in 2008.
Mr. Obama spoke by telephone with Mr. Netanyahu on Thursday and congratulated him on his party’s success in Tuesday’s elections; the two also discussed Iran and a path forward on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In the run-up to the election, Mr. Netanyahu said a two-state solution would not happen on his watch. But Mr. Netanyahu said Thursday on MSNBC that he wants a “sustainable, peaceful two-state solution.”
The White House said the post-election remarks haven’t changed the minds of officials in the administration that the U.S. needs to rethink its approach toward the Israeli government.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
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