Netanyahu and Israeli President Reuven Rivlin. Photo: Amir Levy/Getty Images
Israel's embattled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Benny Gantz have been invited to the White House next week for discussions on President Trump's long-promised Mideast peace plan before it is unveiled, Israeli sources tell me.
Driving the news: The meeting is set for Jan. 28, the same timing as a planned vote in the Knesset over Netanyahu's bid for immunity from prosecution on corruption charges.
The timing also comes amid President Trump's impeachment trial in the Senate and days before his scheduled Feb. 4 State of the Union address.
Why it matters: The Trump administration has been considering releasing its plan ahead of Israel's March 2 elections, a controversial proposition because it could sway the election results.
The release of the peace plan was postponed twice in the lead-up to Israeli elections, with the White House saying it did not want to interfere with Israel's political process.
Between the lines: The optics of a meeting now on Mideast peace could give both Netanyahu and Trump ammunition to argue they are trying to accomplish meaningful work even as they are under fire politically.
Details: Vice President Mike Pence, traveling in Israel, has met with Blue and White party leader Gantz to discuss the issue and is to meet later today with Netanyahu.
The White House is expected to issue an announcement today on the Trump administration's peace plan, Israeli officials tell me.
Gantz, Netanyahu and the White House declined to comment.
Jordan's King Abdullah II recently expressed hope that a plan could allow the international community to see "the glass half full," though previously he and other Jordanian officials were wary of the White House presenting it.
Barak Ravid of Israel's Channel 13 newsIsrael's leaders invited to White House next week on Mideast peace plan
