US President Joe Biden has accepted an invitation from Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to visit Israel and intends to make the trip in the coming months, the White House and Bennett’s office said on Sunday.
The two leaders spoke on Sunday and Bennett briefed Biden on efforts “to stop the violence and incitement in Jerusalem”, the statement said, in reference to Israeli-Palestinian clashes at Al-Aqsa mosque in the holy city.
At least 57 Palestinians were injured in clashes with Israeli police within the mosque compound on Friday.
Biden “took note of ongoing efforts between Israeli and Palestinian officials to lower tensions and ensure a peaceful conclusion to the holy season of Ramazan” and affirmed “his unwavering support for Israel and its defence needs”, the White House said in its statement.
The two leaders also discussed “the threat posed by Iran and its proxies”, the White House added.