RISE OF ISRAELI HAWKS

Netanyahu (left) is expected to win the Feb. 10 elections. His victory could hinder Obama's Middle East plans.

Analysts fear that a possible power shift in the Israeli government in favor of hawks would foil US plans for the Middle East peace

Opinion polls ahead of Israel's general elections indicate that Israelis will likely to vote for right wing politicians, a shift which might pose challenges to the Obama administration's Mideast plans.

The likely change in public opinion reflects Israelis' dissatisfaction with the Kadima government's failure both in economic and security fronts.

Moreover, two consecutive defeats of the Israeli army in its war against Hamas and Hezbollah seem to have changed tilted the situation against the centrist Kadima party.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the leader of the right wing Likud party, which is likely to win the general elections, is known for taking a hard line against the Palestinians and peace initiatives.
In confronting one of Israel's main critical issues, Netanyahu has vowed to adopt an aggressive policy toward Iran's nuclear program.

Analysts believe Netanyahu would forge a coalition with Yisrael Beiteinu and Shas parties, which are against ceding occupied West Bank to the Palestinians.
US President Barak Obama, meanwhile, has pledged to pursue the prospect of a two state solution to the Middle East conflict.
The elections for Knesset (parliament) seats which will decide the next Israeli prime minister are scheduled for February 10.
The problem, Israeli analysts say, is that nobody really knows what the election is about.
Source: AFP