JERUSALEM, Nov. 9 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday congratulated the United States elected president, Donald Trump, saying he believe the alliance between the two countries will grow stronger.

In a statement released by his office, Netanyahu referred to Trump as "a true friend of the State of Israel," saying he expect to bring the relations with the U.S. to "new heights" during Trump's governance.

"We will act together to advance the security, stability, and peace in our region," Netanyahu said, adding that the firm bond between Israel and the U.S. is based on "mutual interests."

Netanyahu refrained from endorsing either candidate during the recent presidential campaign. He held two separate meetings with both of them in New York.

During his campaign, Trump sided with Israel and vowed to acknowledge East Jerusalem as part of its capital. Israel occupied this predominantly Palestinian territory in 1967 and later annexed it in a move never recognized by the international community.