US Ambassador to UN Visits Israel This Week

The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice, is traveling to Israel Monday to speak at a conference and while in the Middle East will hold talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders.

On Wednesday, Rice will take part in a conference hosted by Israeli President Shimon Peres.

During her three-day visit, U.S. officials said Rice will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The United States is trying to get Israel and the Palestinians to resume peace negotiations, but Rice's meetings are described as bilateral in nature.

The ambassador's visit comes at a time when Israel is irate about a U.N. report accusing both Israel and the militant group Hamas of committing war crimes during the Gaza conflict at the beginning of this year. The Israeli Cabinet said Sunday that the three-week offensive against Hamas was legitimate self-defense.