US President George W. Bush will visit the Middle East in January, the White House has announced.
Israeli media reported that Mr Bush would visit Israel and the Palestinian Authority in the middle of January in his first visit there as president.
Mr Bush hosted a summit last week aimed at jump-starting Israeli and Palestinian peace talks.
At the 44-nation gathering in Annapolis, Maryland, the president met Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. He also met them separately at the White House last week to emphasise his interest in reaching a peace deal.
Mr Bush is seeking an agreement between the Palestinians and Israelis by the end of 2008 amid some doubts about his commitment to stay engaged during his last year in office.
The president has faced criticism for not taking a hands-on approach earlier.
