article_snippet: White House says Obama will offer congratulations to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu come-from-behind election victory, but not until after a coalition government is formed 'days' from now.
article_snippet: Aboard Air Force One, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters that Obama plans to call Netanyahu 'in the coming days.'
article_snippet: The Obama administration initially offered congratulations only to the Israeli people – for holding an election – and the president won't call Netanyahu for days.
article_snippet: The two leaders are pictured during an October 2014 meeting in the Oval Office .
article_snippet: the president's past practice, Earnest said, has been to wait until the president formally asks Netanyahu to form a coalition government.
article_snippet: Herzog said on early Wednesday Herzog had spoken with  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to congratulate Herzog on Herzog election victory. '
article_snippet: A few minutes ago I spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and congratulated Herzog on Herzog achievement and wished Herzog luck,' Herzog told reporters.
highlights_snippet: Opposition leader immediately congratulated Netanyahu on Netanyahu stunning win, but Obama won't until Israel's president asks the PM to form a coalition government .
  