Israel remains a key issue in the American presidential campaign in at least two states, according to American Jewish leaders and local media. The Hartford, Connecticut Courant reported that candidates Senators John McCain and Barack Obama are focusing on Israel despite the dominating issue of the economy.

The "Israel factor" is considered significant in Florida and Connecticut, where the Jewish vote could be decisive. "Israel is a proxy for the Jewish community," said Menashe Shapiro of the National Jewish Democratic Council.