The White House won't divulge the guest list for Thursday afternoon's event in the East Room. But those with knowledge of the list say it's an eclectic and interesting one - and markedly different from past Jewish-themed events like the president's annual Hanukkah party.
Hariri's first official visit to U.S. takes place against a backdrop of tensions in Mideast, U.S. efforts to restart Israeli-Palestinian peace talks and growing momentum against Iran.