Obama to shun Israeli PM during March visit

The White House said Thursday that President Barack Obama will not meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his trip to the United States in early March.

The Israeli leader has accepted an invitation by Speaker of House of Representatives John Boehner to address a joint session of U.S. Congress, just two weeks before Israeli voters go to the polls.

"As a matter of long-standing practice and principle, we do not see heads of state or candidates in close proximity to their elections, so as to avoid the appearance of influencing a democratic election in a foreign country," National Security Council spokeswoman Bernadette Meehan said in a statement.

Boehner extended his invitation Wednesday without first consulting the White House, and Netanyahu will focus his speech on Iran's nuclear program.

"The typical protocol would suggest that the leader of one country would contact the leader of another country when he is traveling there," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Wednesday. "This particular event seems to be a departure from that protocol."

The Obama administration is resisting some lawmakers' attempt to pass a bill seeking fresh sanctions on Iran, as negotiations toward a comprehensive deal are continuing, while Netanyahu opposes a negotiated deal to stem Tehran's controversial nuclear program.

"The president has been clear about his opposition to Congress passing new legislation on Iran that could undermine our negotiations and divide the international community," Meehan said.

Secretary of State John Kerry will also shun Netanyahu during his upcoming trip to Washington, State Department spokeswoman Jennifer Psaki said Thursday, citing as well Israel's impending elections.

Obama has a tense relationship with Netanyahu over the years, with their views divided over Iran and other issues.

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