Israel

Israeli leaders were quick to heap praise on America’s next president, in a determined effort to ensure that the historically close ties between the Jewish state and the US will continue to flourish once Barack Obama moves into the White House in January.

Ehud Olmert, Israel’s prime minister, issued a statement stressing “that the special Israel-US relationship is based on shared values and interests and is characterised by ties of close cooperation”. He added that “we have no doubt that the special relations that prevail between the two countries will continue to strengthen during the Obama administration”.

The praise came despite the fact that Israel was one of the few countries in the world where polls showed greater popular support for John McCain, Mr Obama’s Republican rival. Mr McCain is seen in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv as a staunch defender of Israeli interests. His tough line on Iran and its nuclear programme – which is regarded by Israel as an threat to the country – also earned him friends here.

Indeed, one Israeli newspaper, the liberal daily Haaretz, led its front page with a story claiming the government was “worried” about Mr Obama’s stance on Iran. It said Israeli government sources were concerned the president-elect would take a “significantly softer line than the outgoing administration” under George W. Bush.

Mr Obama visited Israel earlier this year as part of his tour of the Middle East and Europe. Tzipi Livni, the foreign minister and leader of the governing Kadima party, pointed to his visit in a statement issued early on Wednesday, saying that “the people of Israel were impressed by his commitment to the peace and security of Israel”.