Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak congratulated U.S. President Barack Obama for his election victory, and expressed confidence that the basis of the U.S. relationship is support for the Jewish state's security, The Jerusalem Post reported.

"I have no doubt that the Obama government will continue with its policy that is rooted in support for the security of Israel, and which strives to cope with the challenges the region places in front of all of us, while striving for progress in the peace process," Barak said.

"I believe that in the tradition of deep friendship and on the backdrop of shared experiences accumulated with President Obama we will be able to overcome any of our differences."