President Obama and Israeli PM Netanyahu hold bilateral talks at White House

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in the Oval Office of the White House on Wednesday.

"Obviously, he's no stranger to the White House," Obama remarked at the beginning of their bilateral meeting, which the president acknowledged comes "at a challenging time."

The two leaders were expected to discuss a range of issues, with the focus on security initiatives.

"I'll debrief Bibi on the work that we're doing to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL," Obama noted, adding that discussion would also encompass "the broader agenda that I discussed at the the United Nations, which is mobilizing the coalition not only for military action, but also to bring about a shift in Arab states and the Muslim countries" to isolate violent extremism.

Obama added that they would also discuss the progress to date concerning Iranian nuclear negotiations.

Netanyahu thanked Obama ahead of their private meeting for the "unflinching support you gave Israel during our difficult days and difficult summer ... and for the continuous bond of friendship that is so strong between Israel and the United States."

The Israeli prime minister underlined that by working together on shared interests, the U.S. and Israel can "advance a more secure, more prosperous and a more peaceful Middle East."