Netanyahu Useful to Obama (GERMANY)

Obama's team would prefer to see Zipi Livni become the new Israeli prime minister. Netanyahu's hardline views on Iran, however, could actually help the new US administration, Middle East expert David Pollock tells SPIEGEL ONLINE.

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Who will be the next prime minister in Israel?


Pollock: It looks like Benjamin Netanyahu will have the edge, even though it is not a sure thing. I think the right wing clearly has an advantage in putting a coalition together. It is very clear, however, that Netanyahu does not want to rely on a a narrow, completely right-wing majority even though that would be possible arithmetically. We will rather see a mixed government, a centre-right administration.

SPIEGEL ONLINE: In terms of the peace process, does it actually matter? Or is any new government so weakened that no new initiative can be expected anytime soon?

Pollock: Every new Israeli government will be officially committed to the peace process and a two-state solution -- but won't be able to do much about it any time soon.

SPIEGEL ONLINE: So, hopes rest on the new Obama administration.

Pollock: There will be a steady push from the US government, and rightly so. The key word is "steady," not "major." You don't want a big Obama speech or conference which will not solve anything -- what you want is to work hard and patiently on the practical issues. The signs are that the Obama team is going to do exactly that. They have already announced that special envoy George Mitchell will go back late this month. That shows he wants to keep that effort going steadily.

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