US President Joe Biden called Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, six days after the election that will likely bring the latter back to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Biden sent his congratulations and, according to Netanyahu’s spokesman, said: "We're brothers; we'll make history together."
“My commitment to Israel is unshakeable,” he added.
Netanyahu said to Biden: "We can bring about more historic agreements [between Israel and Arab states]. They are within reach."
“My commitment to the alliance between [Israel and the US] and relations between us is as strong as ever.”
Benjamin Netanyahu
The call was 8 minutes long.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that Biden “reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral partnership and underscored his unwavering support for Israel’s security."Amid concerns that relations with the Biden administration will sour if Religious Zionist MK Itamar Ben-Gvir is made a minister, Jean-Pierre said: “We will continue to closely monitor the government formation process. We look forward to continuing to work with the Israeli government on our shared interests and values.”
Netanyahu spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky soon after.
Zelensky congratulated Netanyahu on his election victory, Netanyahu's spokesman said. They had a "warm and personal conversation," and Netanyahu said he will "consider the Ukrainian matter seriously after he enters office."
Who else has congratulated Netanyahu?
Biden's call came hours after UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak congratulated Netanyahu, writing on Twitter: "Across areas like trade, security and technology there is a huge amount our countries do together and I look forward to working with the returning prime minister."
Netanyahu thanked Sunak on Twitter and added: "We will work together to strengthen relations between us."
French President Emmanuel Macron called Netanyahu on Sunday and invited him to Paris.
The two plan to discuss "regional challenges, the foremost of which is Iran," Netanyahu wrote on Twitter.