After slipup, Israeli PM to meet pope next week

JERUSALEM (AP) The Israeli prime minister's office says Benjamin Netanyahu will travel to Italy next week to meet with Pope Francis.

Sunday's announcement follows a similar one last month that was later rescinded after the Vatican said no meeting was actually scheduled.

Netanyahu's office says the premier will fly to the Vatican on Dec. 1 for a two-day visit that will include his first meeting with the new pope.

Francis met last month with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Israeli President Shimon Peres, who serves in a largely ceremonial position, met the head of the Catholic church in April.

The Vatican and Israel established diplomatic relations in 1993.

Francis is expected to make a visit to the Holy Land next year to meet Israeli and Palestinian leaders, as well as religious leaders.