video transcript

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he's looking forward to an impending visit by U.S. President Barack Obama. Netanyahu told reporters Sunday that he has a host of issues to hash out with the American leader - from Iran's nuclear ambitions to the war in Syria. (SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU SAYING: "I welcome President Obama's intention to visit Israel. It is a very important visit that will emphasise the strong alliance between Israel and the United States." The White House announced last week that Obama would make his first official visit to Israel and the West Bank this spring. The trip has raised hopes that the US may push to restart peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians. Netanyahu, though, put Iran on the top his agenda for the talks, which will reportedly start on March 20, though no date has been officially announced.