BICOM

Israeli leaders from across the political spectrum this morning sent their congratulations to President Barack Obama on his election victory.

Defence Minister Ehud Barak, leader of the Independence Party, sent President Obama his best wishes and expressed his hope for continued security and diplomatic cooperation between the United States and Israel, commenting, “I have no doubt that the Obama government will continue with its policy that is based on support for the security of Israel, and which strives to cope with the challenges the region places in front of all of us, while striving for progress in the peace process.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon, a leading candidate for the joint Likud Beitenu list made a positive prediction, saying, “I congratulate President Obama and the American nation on [Obama’s] re-election for a second term… President Obama, in his second round, will be an excellent president for Israel.”

Other politicians also weighed in, including Labour Party leader Shelly Yachimovich, who sent a letter to President Obama telling him, “I have a lot of appreciation for your attempts to bring about change in American society, its agenda, and the values you promote – international values such as equality, fair economy, and accountability to citizens… I wish you lots of luck in your endeavours to advance the peace process and freedom around the world.”

A statement from Yesh Atid also congratulated President Obama on being elected to a second term in office and called on him to ensure that Iran does not succeed in obtaining a nuclear weapon under his leadership.