Trump ally Netanyahu calls Biden president-elect

Israel’s president and prime minister spoke with Joe Biden on Tuesday for first time since his victory in U.S. election, joining or world leers in referring to him as president-elect despite President Donald Trump’s refusal to concede.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a close ally of Trump, congratulated Biden after election was called earlier this month but did t refer to him as president-elect n and has avoided commenting on election results.

Israelis have welcomed Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran and his unprecedented support for Israel in conflict with Palestinians. Biden’s plans to return to Iran nuclear agreement and press for revival of Mideast peace process could set him on a collision course with Netanyahu, who h icy relations with Obama ministration.

“In a warm conversation, president-elect reiterated his deep commitment to state of Israel and its security,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.

Netanyahu ”said that special bond between Israel and US is a fundamental component of Israel’s security and its policy. two agreed to meet soon in order to discuss many issues on nda and reiterated need to continue bolstering stefast alliance between U.S. and Israel,” statement said.

Israel’s ceremonial president, Reuven Rivlin, also spoke with Biden and congratulated him on election, calling him “a long-standing friend of state of Israel.” He ded: “Our friendship is based on values that are beyond partisan politics and that we have doubt that, under your leership, United States is committed to Israel’s security and success.”

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KW ABOUT PRESIDENT-ELECT JOE BIDEN'S TRANSITION TO WHITE HOUSE:

President-elect Joe Biden is warning of dire consequences if President Donald Trump and his ministration continue to refuse to coordinate with his transition team on coronavirus pandemic and block briefings on national security and policy issues.

(Pic credit: AP)