REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JERUSALEM -- 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.

Trump defeated his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, in a close race for the White House, showed preliminary results released early Wednesday. Major U.S. broadcasters projected that Trump has secured more than the 270 electoral votes needed for presidency, while Clinton has conceded defeat.

Trump's election headquarters burst into cheers as news of his victory came in from different states. Waving to an elated crowd of supporters, Trump, in his victory speech, vowed to be a president for all Americans.

It was "time for America to bind the wounds of division" and "time for us to come together as one," said Trump. However, his victory speech failed to dispel the concerns over the grave divisions across the country.

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