WASHINGTON — US President Joe Biden had a lengthy phone call on Wednesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, marking the first official conversation between the two leaders since Biden took office last month. “The conversation was very friendly and warm and lasted about an hour. The two leaders noted their longstanding personal ties and said they would work together to further strengthen the strong relations between Israel and the United States,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement. "President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed the future advancement of the peace accords, the Iranian threat, and regional challenges, and agreed to continue their dialogue," the statement read. Biden also "commended Prime Minister Netanyahu on his leadership in the fight against the coronavirus," the statement added. According to the statement, they also exchanged ideas on ways to deal with the pandemic. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Tuesday that Netanyahu would be the first Middle East leader Biden would speak with as president. The call signals that the new US administration aims to maintain the close ties to Israel that were strengthened during Donald Trump"s presidency. The White House did not immediately provide a readout of Biden"s call with the prime minister. — Agencies