'You are gold': Netanyahu speaks with Paralympic Taekwondo winner

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Ilan Shmueli to congratulate him on his gold medal win

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has congratulated Ilan Shmueli on his gold medal win at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

"You are gold," Netanyahu told Shmueli in a phone call. "You have brought great honor to the State of Israel and to the Paralympic movement."

Shmueli defeated Uzbekistan's Asliddin Dodamurov in the men's K44 -61kg final on Friday. It was Israel's first gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics.

The 32-year-old Shmueli is a former world champion and has represented Israel at the past three Paralympic Games.

In a statement, Netanyahu said that Shmueli's victory was "a testament to his hard work, dedication, and determination."

"He is an inspiration to all Israelis, and we are proud of him," Netanyahu said.