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    Obama To Visit Israel In Spring

    White House confirms that Obama will make his first trip to Israel as president in the coming months. Will also visit the West Bank and Jordan.

    WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama will visit Israel in the spring, according to the White House.

    "When the president spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu on Jan. 28, they discussed a visit by the president to Israel in the spring," said NSC spokesman Tommy Vietor Tuesday. "The start of the president's second term and the formation of a new Israeli government offer the opportunity to reaffirm the deep and enduring bonds between the United States and Israel and to discuss the way forward on a broad range of issues of mutual concern, including Iran and Syria. Additional details about the trip — including the dates of travel — will be released at a later time."

    Obama was repeatedly criticized by Republicans — including GOP nominee Mitt Romney — for not taking a trip to Israel in his first term. Obama last visited as a candidate for president in 2008.

    Israeli news outlets reported that Obama will visit the country in March.

    White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said Obama would also visit the West Bank and Jordan on the trip.