Netanyahu congratulates Biden on winning the election and thanks Trump
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated US President-elect Joe Biden on Sunday on his election victory, praising a strong coalition that could cast a shadow over policy differences regarding Iran and the Palestinians.
"Congratulations to Joe Biden and (his deputy), all of Harris," Netanyahu wrote on his Twitter account, which still shows a picture of him with outgoing President Donald Trump.
"You, Joe, have a warm personal relationship that has lasted for nearly 40 years, and I know that you are a wonderful friend of Israel, and I look forward to working with you to strengthen the special alliance between the United States and Israel."
And after his approaches have coincided with those of Trump for four years, Netanyahu is likely to face a challenge if Biden violates Trump's tough policy toward Iran and the Palestinians.
A dispute may arise between Netanyahu and the new US administration, in light of Biden's pledge to return the United States to participate in the Iran nuclear deal and the possible White House opposition to Israeli settlement in the occupied lands that the Palestinians claim to be part of their state.
Netanyahu thanked Trump in another tweet.
He said, "I thank you, Donald Trump, for the friendship you have shown to the State of Israel and to me personally by recognizing Jerusalem and the Golan Heights, confronting Iran and the historic peace agreements, and for taking the US-Israeli alliance to unprecedented heights."
Netanyahu's message came hours after many world leaders congratulated Biden, even though Trump refuses to admit defeat and continues his legal battles against the election result.
A spokesman for Netanyahu did not respond to a request for comment about the relative delay in the congratulations.
Danny Dayan, the former Israeli consul in New York, said Netanyahu's slow response was a precautionary step.
"There is a president in the White House who has not yet acknowledged his defeat, and passions play a key role in making his decisions, and he will remain in the White House for two and a half months," he told Army Radio.
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