Trump, Obama reconcile over phone after tension over Israel, transition

WASHINGTON -- US President Barack Obama called his successor Donald Trump Wednesday in what was described as a positive conversation, as tension over Israel and transition started to build.

"Today's call, like the others since the election, was positive and focused on continuing a smooth and effective transition," a statement from the White House said.

"The President and President-elect committed to staying in touch over the next several weeks and agreed their respective teams would continue to work together to effectuate a smooth transition of power on Jan. 20," it said.

Trump told reporters outside his Florida home that he and Obama had a "very nice" and "general" conversation.

The phone call came after an abstention vote on an Israel-related resolution from the United States prompted Trump to question the decision on Twitter.

"We cannot continue to let Israel be treated with such total disdain and disrespect. They used to have a great friend in the US, but..." read a Trump tweet early Wednesday.

Trump also tweeted that the transition process is not smooth. He pledged to do his best to "disregard the many inflammatory President O statements and roadblocks. Though it was going to be a smooth transition-Not!"

The harsh words may be connected to an earlier remark from Obama that he could have beaten Trump if they went against each other in an election.