Post US-Elections: "Israel will have to show it understands the needs of a weakened America and not hamper U.S. foreign policy.."

Aluf Benn in Haaretz, here

"...At the moment, the likelihood of an Israeli, American or joint Israeli-American attack on Iran appears low. There is no guarantee that such an attack can succeed, the risk is enormous, and the United States is in the throes of a profound economic crisis - not to mention the military chaos in Iraq and Afghanistan - and hardly needs more troubles ....

If Iran is not attacked, and if it acquires enough fissionable material for a nuclear weapon in
the coming year, the regional balance of forces will be altered: Israel will have to get used to living with a constant balance of terror, and the next U.S. administration will have to be far more respectful toward Tehran....

And if Iran's nuclear timetable is prolonged, we can expect lengthy diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Iran over the division of influence in the Middle East....

Livni's main challenge, if indeed she succeeds Ehud Olmert, will be to develop good relations with Barack Obama, who appears likely to succeed President Bush in the White House. This is not only a matter of personal chemistry, but of understanding the needs and constraints of a weakened America, which is reeling under a financial crisis and wars in Iraq and Afghanistan..."