US President Barack Obama on Thursday indicated he is ready to work with Benjamin Netanyahu's new hardline Israeli government, hailing a "deep and abiding partnership" between the two nations despite recent tumult. "President Obama looks forward to working with Prime Minister Netanyahu," the White House said, in a businesslike statement that follows fierce pre-election exchanges between the two men.
"The United States places great importance on our close military, intelligence, and security co-operation with Israel, which reflects the deep and abiding partnership between both countries," the White House statement said.