US, Israeli leaders discuss bilateral ties, regional security

US President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a news conference in the lobby of Trump Tower in Manhattan, New York City, US, January 11, 2017 and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem January 22, 2017 in a combination of file photos. [Photo/Agencies]

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke Sunday by phone to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relationship between the allies, and security and stability in the Middle East.

Trump emphasized the importance the United States places on the close military, intelligence, and security cooperation with Israel, which "reflects the deep and abiding partnership between our countries," the White House said in a statement.

The leaders agreed to continue to closely consult on a range of regional issues, including addressing the threats posed by Iran.

Trump affirmed his unprecedented commitment to Israel's security and stressed that countering the Islamic State group and other radical Islamic terrorist groups will be a priority for his Administration, according to the statement.

In addition, Trump emphasized that peace between Israel and the Palestinians can only be negotiated directly between the two parties, and that the United States will work closely with Israel to make progress towards that goal.

During the telephone conversation, Trump also invited Netanyahu to an early February meeting at the White House.

The White House said earlier Sunday that it is at the "very beginning" of discussing plans to move the US Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

The remark came after reports in Israeli media that Trump had imminent plans to announce the move the embassy.