Despite the doomsday prophecies that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has caused unprecedented harm to the special relationship maintained throughout the years between Israel and the United States, Mr. Netanyahu was reelected with strong support that brings Likud 30 seats.

The Washington Post quotes White House press secretary Josh Earnest saying late Tuesday that President Obama “remains committed to working very closely” with whoever wins the race. There were no phone calls or public congratulatory messages. In actuality, the White House finds itself is a most uncomfortable place amid the realization PM Netanyahu was elected for a fourth term, and this decisive victory undermines US administration efforts to shun Mr. Netanyahu as one whose days in office are numbered.

In the last elections the Likud/Yisrael Beitenu partnership had a combined 31 seats (Likud 18/ Yisrael Beitenu 13), Netanyahu now boasts 30 seats on his own. This sends a clear message to US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry that the people of Israel stand firmly behind Mr. Netanyahu regarding the Iranian threat and negotiations with the PA (Palestinian Authority). The residents of Israel do not want a Palestinian state, and they trust Mr. Netanyahu above all others to handle the Iranian threat. This throws a wrench to Kerry’s shuttle diplomacy efforts in the region, which to date only enjoyed marginal success at best.

The new political reality is will not make facilitate the mending of relations between Jerusalem and Washington, but it also removes any doubt from the White House agenda that it will soon be addressing a new prime minister, one more willing to accept US dictate for in fact, the Obama administration will have to continue dealing with PM Netanyahu and his new right-wing coalition government.

(The number of seats may fluctuate. The Central Election Committee states the final numbers will be released Thursday morning, 28 Adar).

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)