The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations is traveling to Israel Monday in a bid to advance peace efforts in the Middle East.

U.S. United Nations Ambassador Susan RiceDuringher three-day trip, Susan Rice is to hold bilateral talks with IsraeliPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President MahmoudAbbas.

She will also deliver remarks Wednesday at a conference hosted by Israeli President Shimon Peres.  

The United States is trying to get Israel and the Palestinians to resume peace negotiations.

AmbassadorRice's visit comes as Israel is irate about a U.N. report that accusesboth Israel and Hamas of committing war crimes during the Gaza conflict.

OnSunday, the Israeli Cabinet said the army's three-week offensiveagainst the militant group Hamas was legitimate self-defense. The Gazaassault ended in January.