Netanyahu says he spoke with Trump 3 times in past few days

JERUSALEM (AA) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said he spoke with President-elect Donald Trump three times in the past few days to “further enhance” the alliance between the two countries.

“In recent days, I have spoken three times with US President-elect Donald Trump. These were very good and important talks designed to further enhance the steadfast bond between Israel and the US,” Netanyahu said in a statement.

“We see eye-to-eye on the Iranian threat in all its aspects, and on the dangers they reflect. We also see the great opportunities facing Israel, in the area of peace and its expansion, and in other areas,” he added.

Netanyahu had congratulated Trump after his victory in the Nov. 5 presidential election, describing it as “history’s greatest comeback!” and a “huge victory.”

During his first term in the White House from 2017 to 2021, Trump offered unwavering support to Israel, including moving the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. He also imposed sanctions on Iran and withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal.

Last year, after Israel launched its war on Gaza, Trump said he would “defend our friend and ally in the State of Israel like nobody has ever”.

But in an interview in March this year with Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom, Trump urged Israel to “finish up” the war or risk losing global support.

Israel has killed nearly 43,500 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women, children and the elderly, since October last year.