WASHINGTON (JTA) — President Shimon Peres might be the first Israeli leader to meet President Obama at the White House, according to reports.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided not to attend the AIPAC policy conference early next month and asked Peres to represent the Jewish state at the annual event, Ynet reported.
Netanyahu is scheduled to travel to the United States later in May to meet with Obama, and requires the extra time in order to formulate policy on negotiations with the Palestinians and Syrians, the report said. Middle East special envoy George Mitchell suggested Netanyahu come to Washington on May 11, Ynet reported, but because of activities already scheduled in Israel that week, the prime minister is likely to delay his visit until the following week.
Peres has not yet decided whether to make the trip to the AIPAC conference, according to Ynet, with his decision hinging on whether a meeting with Obama can be set up on such short notice.
