WASHINGTON (AP) ? President Barack Obama is reaffirming U.S. ties with Israel, upstaging Mitt Romney one day before the Republican challenger visits Jerusalem.

The White House says Obama will sign legislation Friday that expands military and civilian cooperation with Israel. The bill passed by voice vote in the House last week. The bill reiterates U.S. support for a negotiated two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Romney is a critic of Obamas policy toward Israel. He arrives in Jerusalem on Saturday on an overseas trip that includes Britain and Poland.

The White House subtly injected itself into Romneys trip on Thursday after Romney caused a stir by calling Londons problems with Olympics preparation "disconcerting."

White House spokesman Jay Carney says Obama "has the utmost confidence" in Britains ability to host the games.

By Terra/AP