Netanyahu reportedly set to visit Washington in late April

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to visit Washington by the end of April, unnamed U.S.-based sources told Sky News on Monday.

Netanyahu recently dismissed previous reports that he was allegedly unwelcome at the White House following strained relations with the Biden administration over Israel’s ongoing judicial overhaul.

“Don’t worry. There’ll be a visit,” said Netanyahu. “Ties with the U.S. are very close. Security and intelligence cooperation are taking place right now, and are stronger and closer than ever.”

The Israeli prime minister told Israel’s i24NEWS that the United States is an “indispensable” ally of the Jewish state.

Israeli right-wing coalition members have increasingly criticized U.S. President Joe Biden for what they believe to be meddling in Israel’s domestic affairs, including Israel’s judicial reforms.

One conservative Israeli politician stressed that Israel can defend itself by itself. However, Netanyahu has distanced himself from criticism of Biden and stressed that the U.S. president remains a friend of Israel.

In late March, Biden told reporters that he was concerned about the Netanyahu government’s controversial judicial reform plans.

“Like many strong supporters of Israel, I’m very concerned. I’m concerned that they get this straight,” said Biden. “They cannot continue down this road. I’ve sort of made that clear.”

Biden also told reporters at the time that he did not expect Netanyahu to be visiting Washington in the near future.

“No, not in the near term,” Biden said to a reporter when prompted to answer whether the Israeli premier would be visiting.

In early January, Netanyahu emphasized the need for closer cooperation between Washington and Jerusalem in preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.