PHILADELPHIA - Mitt Romney is set to speak by telephone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday.

The Republican presidential nominee's campaign confirms the scheduled conversation. It would come the same day that President Barack Obama also is expected to speak with Netanyahu phone.

The economy has dominated the presidential contest so far, but both candidates have focused more on foreign policy in recent weeks.

Romney has been critical of Obama's relationship with Israel's leadership.

Netanyahu told the United Nations on Thursday that tougher action is needed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The prime minister argues that an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities may be the only answer.

Obama and Romney support the use of military force if necessary to prevent Iran from possessing a nuclear weapon.