US President Donald Trump has hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. Monday's visit comes as Netanyahu fights-off corruption scandals back home. The Israeli leader thanked Trump for deciding to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem. While Trump suggested he may attend the opening. Roee Ruttenberg has more.

A meeting of long-time friends. That's how U.S. President Donald Trump described hosting his guest, Benjamin Netanyahu, at the White House on Monday. The Israeli prime minister is wildly popular among Trump supporters - who see him as a crucial defense hawk operating in a tough region. And Trump is equally adored by Netanyahu loyalists, for -- among other things -- his controversial decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, and his plan to move the U.S. embassy there later this year.

DONALD TRUMP US PRESIDENT "Many Presidents were discussing whether or not to make that decision, and they promised it in campaigns, but were never able to do what they should have done. So, I was able to do it."

Washington is a familiar stomping ground for Netanyahu, who just days ago -- in Israel -- was being questioned by police over corruption charges. On Monday, Israeli prosecutors announced a former Netanyahu spokesman had turned state's witness against his old boss, agreeing to hand over audio recordings of Netanyahu and his wife as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. Netanyahu denies all wrong-doing. In Washington, the four-time prime minister said he was unfazed -- and focused on his visit.

BENJAMIN NETANYAHU ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER "Mr. President, I have been here for nearly four decades -- seeking to build the America/Israel alliance. And under your leadership, it has never been stronger, and the people of Israel see your position on Jerusalem, they see your position in Iran, they see your magnificent defense of Israel, and the truth in the United Nations."

The international community has largely condemned Trump's moves - warning: they could potentially jeopardize the peace process. The president was confident: they'll do the exact opposite.

DONALD TRUMP US PRESIDENT "The biggest difficulty that anybody has had, and you look over 25 years, nobody could get past, number one, Jerusalem, they couldn't get past it, we have taken it off the table."

Firmly backing Netanyahu, Trump urged the Palestinians to come to the negotiating table. Or, he said, there'll be no deal.

ROEE RUTTENBERG WASHINGTON "On Tuesday, Netanyahu will speak before the powerful pro-Israeli lobby, AIPAC. The crowd at its annual gathering will most certainly embrace him. The same can't be said about nearly half of all Israelis. If Netanyahu wants to keep his job, his biggest challenge right now may be to be as popular there as he is here. Roee Ruttenberg, CGTN, in Washington."