Biden calls Israel's Netanyahu to congratulate him on election win

The two leaders plan to speak again after Netanyahu builds a formal coalition.
Joe Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel, July 14, 2022

President Biden on Monday called former Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to congratulate him on his reelection victory.

Biden also commended "Israel’s free and fair elections" and "reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Israel bilateral partnership," said the White House, in confirming the call. 

Netanyahu said in a statement that he "thanked President Biden for his personal friendship that spans 40 years between us and for his commitment to the State of Israel." 

He also said they discussed the threat of Iran, Israel's enemy with whom the Biden administration has been attempting to negotiate a nuclear deal.

Netanyahu, whose coalition won 64 seats in the 120-member Knesset, made a comeback in his country's elections last week.

The two leaders reportedly plan to speak again after Netanyahu formally becomes prime minister.