Biden congratulates Israel's Netanyahu on election victory

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Joe Biden called incoming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to congratulate him on his recent parliamentary victory.

Biden congratulated Netanyahu on his recent win, and commended "Israel's free and fair elections," White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters.

"The President reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral partnership and underscored his unwavering support for Israeli security. We will continue to closely monitor the government formation process," said Jean-Pierre.

"We look forward to continuing to work with Israeli Government on our shared interests and values," she added.

Netanyahu’s camp won 64 seats versus 51 for the current government led by Yair Lapid in the 120-seat parliament.

Netanyahu’s Likud party won 32 seats, 14 seats went to the Religious Zionism alliance led by far-right Itamar Ben Gvir, ultra-Orthodox Shas secured 11 seats, and United Torah Judaism won seven seats, according to the Israeli election commission.

Lapid’s Yesh Atid (There is a Future Party) won 24 seats in parliament.

The results give Netanyahu, Israel's longtime former prime minister, an outright majority in the Knesset to form an upcoming Israeli government.

Tuesday’s elections were the fifth in less than four years in Israel. Some 71% of voters turned out, the highest in 20 years.