Barack Obama reportedly will visit Israel this month.
The presumptive Democratic Party candidate to succeed President Bush is expected to arrive in Israel on July 22 or 23 for a two- or three-day visit, Yediot Achronot reported Sunday.
Senator Obama (D-Ill.), who is seen as keen to boost his security credentials and support among American Jews ahead of the November vote, has confirmed he plans to come to Israel as part of a pre-election tour of the region but has not yet released dates.
According to Yediot, Obama’s itinerary in Israel will likely include meetings with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and other top leaders, as well as a visit to Sderot to show solidarity with residents who have suffered from Palestinian rocket barrages.
Obama’s Republican counterpart, U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), made a high-profile trip to Sderot as part of a recent Israel visit.
