Netanyahu notes 'long & warm personal relationship' with Biden in congratulatory tweet

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin NetanyahuBenjamin (Bibi) NetanyahuMORE became the latest world leader to congratulate President-elect Joe BidenJoe BidenMary Trump celebrates Biden-Harris victory: ‘To America. Thanks, guys’ Biden gives shoutout to Black Americans in victory speech: ‘You always have my back, and I’ll have yours’ Biden vows to heal divided nation MORE, hailing their relationship in a tweet Sunday.

“Congratulations @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris,” Netanyahu tweeted. “Joe, we’ve had a long & warm personal relationship for nearly 40 years, and I know you as a great friend of Israel. I look forward to working with both of you to further strengthen the special alliance between the U.S. and Israel.”

Netanyahu, one of the world leaders most closely aligned with President TrumpDonald John TrumpMary Trump celebrates Biden-Harris victory: ‘To America. Thanks, guys’ Biden gives shoutout to Black Americans in victory speech: ‘You always have my back, and I’ll have yours’ Biden vows to heal divided nation MORE, also thanked the incumbent president “for the friendship you have shown the state of Israel and me personally, for recognizing Jerusalem and the Golan, for standing up to Iran, for the historic peace accords and for bringing the American-Israeli alliance to unprecedented heights.”

The prime minister congratulated Biden several hours after numerous other world leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Canadian Prime Minister Justin TrudeauJustin Pierre James TrudeauJeb Bush congratulates Biden: It’s ‘time to heal deep wounds’ World leaders congratulate Biden, Harris The Hill’s Morning Report – Too close to call MORE and French President Emanuel Macron.

Dani Dayan, the former Israeli consul to New York, said Netanyahu’s delay was likely an attempt to avoid alienating Trump before he leaves office in January.

“There is a president in the White House who has not yet acknowledged his defeat and whose whims definitely play a major role in his decision making process and he will be sitting in the White House for another two and a half months,” Dayan told Army Radio, according to Reuters.

The prime minister had a fraught relationship with Trump’s predecessor, Barack ObamaBarack Hussein ObamaSunday shows preview: Joe Biden wins the 2020 election Obama congratulates Biden, Harris after race is called, urges Americans to ‘stay engaged’ On The Trail: Biden’s bet pays off MORE, particularly in regard to the Iran nuclear deal and settlements in the West Bank.