Biden congratulates Israel’s Bennett in telephone call

GBNEWS24 DESK//

US President Joe Biden on Sunday offered incoming Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett his “warm congratulations” in telephone talks, the White House said, after an alliance of parties ousted Benjamin Netanyahu and formed a new government.

“I congratulate Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, and all the members of the new Israeli cabinet,” Biden said in a statement issued shortly before the call.

“Israel has no better friend than the United States.”

Bennett responded not long afterwards on Twitter, saying: “Thank you Mr. President! I look forward to working with you to strengthen the ties between our two nations.”

In the telephone talks, Biden “highlighted his decades of steadfast support for the US-Israel relationship and his unwavering commitment to Israel’s security,” the White House said.

“The president also conveyed that his administration intends to work closely with the Israeli government on efforts to advance peace, security, and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians,” it added.

“The leaders agreed that they and their teams would consult closely on all matters related to regional security, including Iran,” the White House noted.

Bennett said he considers Biden “a great friend of the State of Israel,” according to a readout from his team.