White House sending national security adviser to Israel

WASHINGTON, March 6 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama is sending National Security Adviser Susan Rice to Israel in May to lead the U.S. delegation for the U.S.-Israel Consultative group meeting.

National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said the decision to send Rice was made after Obama had "very productive consultations" with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington on Monday.

Hayden said, "Ambassador Rice looks forward to her first visit to Israel as National Security Advisor to continue our strategic consultations on a wide range of bilateral and regional issues."

[The Jerusalem Post]