Israel’s prime minister has congratulated Chancellor Angela Merkel on securing a fourth term while not mentioning the rise of a far-right party in Germany’s election.

Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Merkel’s win on Monday in a toast for the Jewish New Year.

He made no mention of Alternative for Germany, or AfD, winning seats in parliament. Major Jewish groups have expressed alarm and dismay over the rise of the nationalist party.

Israel was established in 1948 on the ashes of the Holocaust, in which 6 million Jews were systematically killed by Nazi Germany and its collaborators during World War II.

The countries only established diplomatic relations in 1965.

Today, Germany is a key Israeli ally in Europe, and assumes responsibility for the atrocities committed during the Holocaust.

Congratulations to Angela #Merkel , a true friend of Israel, on her re-election as Chancellor of Germany.

— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) September 24, 2017

(AP)