Netanyahu win gives US peace plan 'better chance:' Trump

Predicts a boost to his administration's promised plan for settlement of Israeli-Palestinian conflict

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that election results handing a narrow victory to right-wing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu give a "better chance" to a yet to be unveiled US peace plan.

"I'd like to congratulate" Netanyahu, said Trump after nearly complete results put the incumbent premier in position to form a coalition and extend his long tenure.

Trump predicted a boost to his administration's promised plan for a settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. "The fact that Bibi won I think we'll see some pretty good action in terms of peace," Trump said.

"Everybody said you can't have peace in the Middle East with Israel and Palestinians. I think we have a chance and I think we now have a better chance," he said.