Updated

National Security Advisor Jim Jones is travelling to the Middle East this week to meet with key leaders in Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the Palestinian Authority. During his trip, General Jones will discuss the full range of regional challenges and opportunities at this critical time in the Middle East. 

The trip comes as the Obama administration ramps up pressure against suspected terrorists in the region, following the pressure the administration itself received following the botched Christmas Day bombing attempt on flight Northwest 253 from Amsterdam to Detriot. The bombing suspect, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, is accused of receiving training in Yemen, Saudi's southern and unstable neighbor.