Jonathan , Obama congratulate Israeli prime minister Netanyahu on election win

President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday congratulated Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, on his victory in Tuesday’s general elections in his country.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President said he looked forward to continuing to work with Netanyahu to further strengthen the existing cordial and mutually-beneficial relations between Nigeria and Israel.

He added that he and his government would also continue to count on the cooperation and support of the Israeli government under Netanyahu’s leadership as Nigeria strives to overcome the challenges of terrorism, violent extremism and sustainable development.

The statement read in part, “Recognising that strife and crisis in the Middle East remain matters of great concern to the international community, President Jonathan calls on Prime Minister Netanyahu, his incoming administration in Israel and other countries in the Middle-East to rededicate themselves to achieving lasting peace in the region through peaceful negotiations.

“The President wishes Mr. Netanyahu a very successful new term in office and prays that God Almighty will continue to grant him the wisdom, courage and strength he requires to lead the people of Israel into greater peace, security and prosperity.”

This is coming as US President Barack Obama on Thursday called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to congratulate him on his recent election win, after a campaign that soured relations between the two allies.

Obama spoke to the Israeli leader “to congratulate him on his party’s success in winning a plurality of Knesset seats,” the White House said.

“The president emphasized the importance the United States places on our close military, intelligence, and security cooperation with Israel, which reflects the deep and abiding partnership between both countries.”

Ties have been tested by Netanyahu’s pledge on the campaign trail to oppose the creation of a Palestinian state, which had been the starting point of countless rounds of Middle East peace negotiations.

Obama waited two days before making the normally routine congratulatory call.

The White House said that during the conversation, Obama “reaffirmed the United States’ long-standing commitment to a two-state solution that results in a secure Israel alongside a sovereign and viable Palestine.”

Since the election, Netanyahu has sought to row back on his campaign rhetoric, but the White House has pointedly stated it will review policies that provided diplomatic cover for Israel at the United Nations.