Israelis are concerned with the Iranian threat. Photo: Algemeiner

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday welcomed news that the U.S. Congress passed new legislation toughening sanctions against Iran over its clandestine nuclear program.

“Following the Iranian elections, the House of Representatives has sent a clear message to the Iranian regime that international pressure will increase until Iran meets its obligations and ceases its pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability. We will judge Iran by its actions alone,” Netanyahu said.

The new bill was controversial, with several Democrats in the House urging the vote to be postponed to give US President Barack Obama time to engage newly elected President Hassan Rouhani. However, on Wednesday, the House of Representatives, with overwhelming bipartisan support, passed the bill 400 to 20 tightening U.S. sanctions on Iran’s petroleum sector.