U.S. 'Disappointed' by Saudi Denial of Jerusalem Post Reporter Visa

The White House said Tuesday it is "very disappointed" that Saudi Arabia has denied a Jerusalem Post reporter's visa to cover President Barack Obama's visit to the kingdom later this week.

Deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes said the White House made clear to the Saudis the importance that the reporter have access to cover the trip.

Rhodes said reporters' affiliation should not count against their ability to do their job.

The White House Correspondents' Association said Michael Wilner was the only reporter who signed up to cover Obama's trip who was denied a visa.

Obama is due to arrive in Saudi Arabia Friday for meetings with King Abdullah following the president's three-country trip to Europe.