Former US Ambassador to Israel Martin Indyk was asked by Israel Radio on Thursday morning if he believes Israeli fears concerning US President Barak Obama vis-�-vis Israel are founded, or perhaps exaggerated.

Indyk stated �Israel is very dependent on the USA, especially after the �blank check era of George Bush�. Now the US sees the possibility of achieving a secure peace with Palestinians. People must understand the difference. At the end of his term, George Bush said it is a �national interest to achieve peace�. Before it was an Israeli interest, now it is an American interest as well. President Obama said he remains completely committed as Israel�s survival as a Jewish state but he is also committed to resolving the conflict, which will call for difficult decisions on both sides. Arabs will have to accept Israel as a Jewish homeland in their midst while the Israelis will have to define what her borders will be with a Palestinian state next door to it�.

(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)