Benjamin Netanyahu’s officials confidently dismiss talk of an impending clash at his keenly awaited first meeting with President Barack Obama. Insisting there is no substantial disagreement between the two men, they suggest Monday’s encounter should be a smooth and amicable affair.

Mr Netanyahu’s message, they say, will be entirely in tune with that of Mr Obama – from the need to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions to Israel’s willingness to engage in peace talks with the Palestinians.