WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama met with Israel's defense minister just hours before the U.S. leader leaves on a trip to the Middle East to improve relations with Muslims.
Ehud Barak met with Obama and his national security adviser, Gen. Jim Jones, on Tuesday at the White House.
Obama leaves Tuesday evening for the Middle East to promote improved U.S. relations with Muslims and their nations. He plans to visit Saudi Arabia on Wednesday and to give a speech Thursday in Cairo.
Obama has had tough words for Israel over settlements in the West Bank but does not plan to visit Israel on his trip to the region.
