I was working late last night to meet a deadline for the print edition, writing a story that while not nearly complete, is a little more comprehensive than yesterday's live blogging posts. Here's one paragraph from the story, you can read the full article here:
Interestingly, not since Eisenhower has Israel had to make do with a president with whom it doesn’t quite get along for two consecutive terms. Carter, Ford and the first Bush – the three presidents at the top of Israel’s list of unfavorable presidents – were all one termers, annoying to Israel’s government, but gone quickly. With Obama, it will be eight years of bickering and mistrust and miscommunication, unless one of three things happens: If Netanyahu is not re-elected; if Obama or Netanyahu determine to put an end to the sour state of relations; or if the U.S. disengages. Option No. 1 will be an important component of Israel’s coming election – a tool that Netanyahu’s rivals are going to use in hopes of convincing Israelis that the relations with Obama are reason enough for them to replace the prime minister. Option No. 2 is the preferable option – the grown-up option – and hence the less likely one. Option No. 3 is the most dangerous of them all. Better for Obama and Netanyahu to keep the bickering going – and with it the involvement of the United States in Israel-related affairs.
WATCH: Benjamin Netanyahu congratulates President Obama on his re-election
Read Shmuel Rosner's Ohio Diary: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3
Read Shmuel Rosner's Florida Diary: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5 and Part 6
Follow Shmuel Rosner on Twitter and Facebook for post-election facts, figures, analysis and opinion
