Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday welcomed the more aggressive foreign policy stance taken by President Trump, and said that change from President Obama's position is greatly "appreciated" by Israel.

"We sense a great change in the direction of American policy," Netanyahu said in a joint press appearance with Defense Secretary James Mattis.

"We noted the very clear and forthright words, Mr. Secretary, that you had to say about Iran," Netanyahu said. "This follows very strong and forthright words on the part of President Trump, and very forthright deeds against the use of chemical weapons by Iran's proxy, Syria."

"This has been appreciated around the world and in our region," Netanyahu said. "I think this is welcome change, a strategic change of American leadership and American policy."

Trump's decision to bomb Syrian assets after Syria used chemical weapons against its own people was seen by Republicans and even many Democrats a long-over due step, and one that enforced President Obama's "red line" that he never enforced himself.

Mattis warned in a separate appearance on Friday that there is " no doubt" Syria still has chemical weapons.