Analysts: Israeli Election Could Impact Obama-Netanyahu Relationship

January 24, 2013

Middle East analysts say the results of this week’s Israeli elections could set the stage for an improved relationship with Washington and impact the future of peace talks with the Palestinians and efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear program.

Yair Lapid is the new star of Israeli politics. The 49-year-old former television host burst onto the political scene with his centrist party capturing second place in parliamentary elections and positioning himself as a power broker in the formation of the next government.

Analysts say the vote was a rebuke to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His conservative ticket lost seats in the new parliament despite placing first.

The Israeli vote came as U.S. President Barack Obama was inaugurated for a second term.

Analysts say his leadership style is bolder since reelection.

Robert Satloff is Executive Director of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. "It is absolutely true that Netanyahu’s success was not as great as Obama’s success, but it is a different political environment," he said.

President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu have had a rocky relationship.

But that could improve if Mr. Netanyahu forms a government open to talks with the Palestinians.

Jerusalem-based analyst David Ricci said, “It won’t be a moderate government but it will be compelled, I think, by international pressure to re-open negotiations. I think the president of the United States is very interested in that.”