Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu began to field congratulatory calls and tweets from Israel’s foreign allies on Thursday, after the release of the final results of the election showing he would likely be able to form a coalition and return to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, took to social media to congratulate Netanyahu on his apparent electoral victory.
"Congratulations to Netanyahu on winning the elections," Zelensky tweeted. "It’s always important to see real democracy in action. Ukraine and Israel share common values challenges that now require effective cooperation."
He added that he hopes to open "a new page in cooperation" with Israel's new government.
Congratulations to @netanyahu on winning the elections. It’s always important to see real democracy in action. & share common values & challenges that now require effective cooperation. We hope to open a new page in cooperation with the new Government for & benefit!
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 3, 2022
US Ambassador Tom Nides
US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides called Netanyahu, tweeting soon after: "I congratulated him on his victory and told him I look forward to working together to maintain the unbreakable bond" between Israel and the US.
Good call just now with Benjamin @Netanyahu. I congratulated him on his victory and told him I look forward to working together to maintain the unbreakable bond.
— Ambassador Tom Nides (@USAmbIsrael) November 3, 2022
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted "Mazel Tov my friend Netanyahu for your electoral success. I look forward to continuing our joint efforts to deepen the India-Israel strategic partnership."
Netanyahu and Modi traveled to each other's capitals, and ties between Delhi and Jerusalem grew closer in during the former's previous tenure as prime minister.
Modi also thanked departing Prime Minister Yair Lapid for his work to strengthen the India-Israel relationship.
Mazel Tov my friend @netanyahu for your electoral success. I look forward to continuing our joint efforts to deepen the India-Israel strategic partnership.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 3, 2022
Netanyahu also spoke with Romanian Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban posed for a photograph with Netanyahu's recently-published autobiography, which he tweeted with the message "Mazel Tov!" emblazoned across it.
"What a great victory for Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel! Hard times require strong leaders. Welcome back!" Orban wrote.
What a great victory for Benjamin @Netanyahu in Israel! Hard times require strong leaders. Welcome back! pic.twitter.com/gF9SNkEuNW
— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) November 3, 2022
Netanyahu and Orban had close ties as leaders, with Hungary often vetoing EU foreign policy proposals, which require unanimity, that were viewed as problematic in Jerusalem. Netanyahu faced criticism for those relations, because of accusations of democratic backsliding in Budapest.
US Senator Ted Cruz
US Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) congratulated Netanyahu on Wednesday, already, when the results seemed clear but were not yet final. At that time, Biden administration officials had said they were waiting to see what kind of government would be formed, but that US-Israel relations would stay strong.
"Congratulations to the people of Israel on a robust high turnout election and clear choice of Netanyahu to form a government," Cruz tweeted.
Congratulations to the people of Israel on a robust high turnout election and clear choice of @Netanyahu to form a government. בהצלחה חבר
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) November 2, 2022
He added in Hebrew: "Good luck, friend."
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni sent her congratulations to Netanyahu on Twitter as well, saying she is "ready to strengthen our friendship and our bilateral relations, to better face our common challenges."
Meloni was recently elected, drawing harsh criticism for her right-wing politics, with some accusing her of being a Fascist.
Congratulations-Mazel Tov to @netanyahu for the electoral success. Ready to strengthen our friendship and our bilateral relations, to better face our common challenges.
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) November 3, 2022
President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola
Roberta Metsola, the Maltese Member of the European Parliament, and the President of the European parliament, has congratulated Netanyahu on his election victory, saying that "The bond between the EU & Israel is one forged in shared history and based on common values of democracy, liberty & rule of law."
Congratulations @netanyahu, on your success in #Israel’s elections.The bond between the EU & Israel is one forged in shared history and based on common values of democracy, liberty & rule of law.We will keep working together for peace, security & prosperity in the region.
— Roberta Metsola (@EP_President) November 3, 2022