Though the Prime Minister and other Knesset Members welcomed Obama's win warmly, some expressed the fear that Obama might lead policies that would leave Israel isolated.
MK Aryeh Eldad (National Union) said, "We must be very concerned about Obama's victory. He plans to quit Iraq soon, and this will endanger Israel, and he is liable to pay in Israeli currency for various agreements with Arab countries. His declaration that he will talk with Iran essentially means that Israel is left alone on this front."
MK Esterina Tartman (Yisrael Beiteinu) said, "We must 'respect and suspect' the Obama administration. Israel must act assertively and smartly vis-a-vis our large friend, the United States, and we must formulate for ourselves a strategy for absolute defense of our existence as a Jewish state."
MK Nissan Slomiansky of the National Religious Party, said, "From the moment that he was elected, he is the President as far as we are concerned, period. All of our fears are no longer relevant, and we must not attack him, unless he proves himself to bear out our fears. In the end, it could be that our fears were unfounded; he will want to be re-elected, and possibly some good will come out of this."
Olmert: Special Relationship Will Strengthen
Outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert congratulated Obama, saying enigmatically, "Obama has proven to the entire world his skills and his leadership." Olmert did not fail to mention the special Israeli-U.S. relationship: "Israeli-U.S. relations are excellent, based on common values and interests, and are characterized by tight mutual cooperation. Both Israel and the U.S. have a common desire to continue to strengthen these relations and advance peace and stability in the Middle East. We have no doubt that the special relations that exist between us will continue to become stronger under the Obama administration."
Livni, Obama and Jerusalem
Kadima party leader Tzipi Livni stated that Obama's win is a "badge of honor for the American democracy." She noted that in Obama's visit to Israel this past summer, "and especially when he visited Sderot, Israeli citizens were impressed with him and with his obligation to Israel's welfare and security."
Livni did not mention that around that time, Obama also promised a Jewish audience that Jerusalem must never be divided - and then retracted the next day. It was also reported this week that Obama told Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas that he supports taking eastern Jerusalem from Israel and giving it to the PA.
Opposition leader Binyamin Netanyahu, favored to become Israel's next Prime Minister in the elections three months from now, sent Obama a telegram: "You and the American people have brought about a historic change, and reminded the world what America stans for: the hope and promise of a better future. I am convinced that we will work together to achieve peace, security and growth in our region, and a better future for all of us."
Likud MK Yuval Shteinitz, whose views are generally hawkish, said that Obama "expressed his friendship with Israel when he said he supports defensible borders for Israel, and in his uncompromising obligation to stopping the Iranian nuclear threat."
Another Likud MK, former Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom, was asked if Israel has anything to be concerned about by Obama's election. "To say in advance that he will have a negative approach towards us," Shalom answered, "is a mistake, because in the end Obama understands that he is not just the President of the U.S., but also the President of the world."
Left-wing MKs were particularly welcoming of Obama's win. Labor MK Ophir Pines said it is "good for Israel and gives hope to billions all over the world, and in the Middle East as well." He expressed the hope that Obama would be involved in the Middle East peace process from the very beginning of his administration. Analysts say this is not likely to happen, given the economic crisis and other critical issues Obama faces.
Meretz party chairman MK Chaim Oron said enigmatically, "The American public chose the alternative of more responsibility, solidarity and partnership. Obama's election proves that real change comes only from leadership that does not blur its positions and is not afraid of saying the truth."