Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to visit White House in March

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March 20, 2013: President Obama, accompanied by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, gestures as he speaks during their joint news conference in Jerusalem, Israel. (AP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to visit President Obama next month amid tension between the allies on diplomatic matters.

The White House announced the March 3 visit on Wednesday and said the two leaders would discuss Mideast peace efforts, Iran's nuclear program and other regional issues.

Netanyahu has also been an outspoken critic of the U.S.-led efforts to curb Iran's nuclear program. Meanwhile, Secretary of State John Kerry is attempting to broker a Mideast peace deal that would establish an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. Some Israeli ministers have criticized Kerry's efforts.

The White House said in a statement that Netanyahu's visit "is a demonstration of the deep and enduring bonds between the United States and Israel and our close consultations on a range of security issues."