JERUSALEM, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated on Tuesday Boris Johnson for winning the race to become Britain's next prime minister.

In a statement issued on Twitter, Netanyahu said that he is "looking forward to working closely together" with Johnson.

The Israeli leader also sent Johnson "heartfelt congratulations."

Netanyahu said that he is expecting to cooperate with Johnson closely "both in facing our common challenges and seizing the opportunities ahead."

Johnson was elected the leader of Britain's ruling Conservative party on Tuesday and set to become the country's prime minister.

He visited Israel in 2017, during his term as foreign secretary.