Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu may speak at the UN's General Assembly session in September, which could see him go head-to-head with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The meeting of world leaders, including the US President Barack Obama, will open on September 23, and Mr Ahmadinejad plans to give a speech at the opening.

If he does attend, Mr Netanyahu will use the opportunity to meet Arab leaders such as Jordan's King Abdullah, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

He is also likely to speak before the General Assembly on the Middle East peace process.

Mr Ahmadinejad has confirmed his attendance and will be speaking before the assembly.

According to his office, Mr Netanyahu is yet to make a final decision on his attendance, but his decision could be influenced if an agreement is reached with the US on settlement construction.

Israeli President Shimon Peres has also reportedly expressed interest in attending the session, as has Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman