Netanyahu calls to wish Illinois Sen. Kirk a speedy recovery after stroke

(AP) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has telephoned Sen. Mark Kirk to wish him a speedy recovery from a stroke.

The Illinois Republican's office released a statement Monday saying Kirk expressed his appreciation for the prime minister's words about him during the recent meeting of the pro-Israel lobby group AIPAC.

Kirk suffered a stroke in January. Last month he started walking exercises on a treadmill as part of his recovery.

Kirk's office said the senator and Netanyahu discussed the threat from Iran and tougher sanctions against Tehran. Kirk has pushed for harsh penalties against Iran to deter its alleged pursuit of a nuclear weapon.