US Vice President Joe Biden will attend the main event in celebration of Israel’s 67th Independence Day at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC on April 23rd, Israeli Ambassador Ron Dermer announced on Thursday.

The visit will be the first time in the past seven years that the Vice President of the United States will be participating in the annual event at the Embassy.

In light of the recent tensions in the relationship between Israel and the United States, Israel’s NRG website noted that Biden’s attendance carries extra significance, particularly in light of allegations that Ambassador Dermer played a role in heightening tensions.

When Prime Minister Netanyahu was invited to address Congress last month and address Iran’s nuclear program, officials in Washington attacked Dermer, blaming him for the invitation and for failing to give the White House ample notice. Officials have also claimed that if Netanyahu were to replace Dermer as ambassador to the United States, it would help heal relations.

But, the ambassador seemed pleased with the fact that the Vice President would be attending the event. On his Facebook page he said he was “honored to host Vice President Biden at Israel’s Independence Day event in Washington, DC.”