It’s a tale as old as time. One leader lectures the other on Israeli history, the other gets caught on microphone describing the first as unbearable. One leader calls for a peaceful two-state solution, the other essentially backs rival presidential candidate Mitt Romney.
In short, US President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have had their ups and downs. The latter’s speech to the US Congress warning about the alleged dangers of the Iran nuclear deal seemed like it may have been the last straw. That visit to Washington came without a presidential invite and without so much as a friendly knock on the White House door.
But according to White House spokesman Josh Earnest, the two leaders have preliminary plans to meet in early November. While the arrangements are far from finalized, Earnest described the relationship between the United States and Israel as "something worth talking about" and "investing in."
"The president has indicated on a number of occasions his desire to begin consultations with our Israeli allies about how to further deepen that cooperation," Earnest said.
"We’re looking forward to doing that."
The meeting will likely focus on the Iran nuclear deal, vehemently opposed by Netanyahu. With that agreement mere weeks away from coming into effect, the Obama administration will likely seek to mend ties with the Israeli government.
"It’s an indication that despite our well-known differences on even some key issues, the bond between the United States and Israel when it comes to our security relationship is unshakable," Earnest said.
It could be a chance for the two leaders to hash out their differences. Or it could just turn into an awkward dinner where the two men passive aggressively sip wine across the table.
