Kerry, Netanyahu to Meet in Rome

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will meet in Rome with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss talks with the Palestinians and Iran.

Kerry will meet Oct. 23 with Netanyahu to “discuss ongoing final status negotiations with the Palestinians, along with Iran, Syria, and other issues of mutual concern,” the State Department said Thursday.

Kerry is urging Israelis and the Palestinians to advance to core issues in their talks, including borders, Jerusalem and the status of the descendants of Palestinian refugees.

Netanyahu will be in Rome for his first meeting with Pope Francis, who has expressed an interest in visiting the Holy Land.