Israel's PM accepts invitation to visit US next month

Israel's Prime Minister has accepted an invitation to visit the White House next month in hopes of forging a common vision for the region with President Donald Trump that could include expanded settlement construction on occupied territories and a tougher policy toward Iran. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his plans to head to Washington hours after delaying a vote on an explosive proposal to annex one of the West Bank's largest settlements, apparently to coordinate his policy toward the Palestinians with the new administration. The move put on hold legislation that threatens to unleash fresh violence and damage already faded hopes for Palestinian



independence. It also may have marked Trump's first presidential foray into Middle East diplomacy. After eight years of frosty relations with President Barack Obama, Netanyahu has welcomed Trump's election as an opportunity to strengthen ties between the two allies.

Israeli media reported that Netanyahu was gearing up plans to expand settlement construction in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem a policy that had been condemned by Obama. Late yesterday, the two men held what Netanyahu's office described as a very warm conversation by phone. It said they discussed the international nuclear deal with Iran, which both men have harshly criticised, and the Palestinian issue.