Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Shani Cooper-Zubida told The Associated Press on Thursday that Netanyahu’s Feb. 16 visit is thought to be a first by an Israeli prime minister.

She said cooperation on energy will be among several bilateral issues discussed during the one-day trip.

Both countries have discovered huge offshore natural gas deposits beneath the Mediterranean Sea separating them and have discussed cooperating on delivering the gas to European and Asian markets. They also have recently signed defense cooperation agreements.