U.S. President Donald Trump said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit Washington next week, with Netanyahu’s office later confirming that he is expected to travel on Monday and meet Trump on Tuesday.
Trump made the announcement during remarks at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner on Friday, where he referred to Netanyahu by his nickname, “Bibi,” while making comments about Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer.
Netanyahu’s office said the Israeli prime minister will also attend the funeral of late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham during the visit, Reuters reported.
The planned meeting comes as the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran reaches its fifth month, with Washington and Jerusalem continuing to coordinate closely on military and diplomatic steps.
Trump used part of his speech to falsely describe Schumer, who is Jewish, as Palestinian. Muslim and Jewish advocacy groups have previously criticised Trump for using “Palestinian” as an insult in attacks on the top Senate Democrat.
