Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has congratulated Francois Hollande on winning the French presidential vote, and expressed hope that the good ties between the countries would continue.

"I would like to congratulate Francois Hollande on his election as president of France," Netanyahu said at the beginning of a cabinet meeting. "The relations between Israel and France were always friendly, and will remain such.

"I look forward to a meeting with him to continue this important relationship - important bilaterally and internationally."