MOSCOW 

Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed bilateral ties and international developments in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a Kremlin statement on Thursday.

"Topical issues of the bilateral agenda and the international situation were discussed. The sides expressed mutual confidence that Russian-Israeli relations will continue to develop steadily, and contacts at various levels will continue," the statement said.

It added that Putin also took the opportunity to wish Netanyahu and all Israeli Jews a happy Hanukkah.

With Wednesday’s announcement that he has formed a government, Netanyahu is poised to soon return to the prime minister’s seat, a post he previously held for over 15 years total.