Obama is savvy and subtle.

If anything, his policies should weaken Netanyahu in the election, as remote as it seems right now that he will be removed.

The logic by which likud gets elected is where threat on Israelis is the predominant issue to motivate voters. In the environment of threat, the big stick, the “backbone” is perceived as necessary if not desirable.

When Israel’s safety is confident, other issues and other possibilities may be considered.

Even peace, even improvement in Palestinians lives, even justice for Palestinian grievances.

Even (“God forbid”) social equality in Israel.

Many on the left regard the PA as complicit, suppressive. In contrast, the PA is undertaking the work that removes the obstacles to peace, so that the motives of likud can be laid bare.

If anything, as I’ve said for it seems like centuries now, the actions and then supportive statements of solidarity elect likud.

Hamas shelling southern Israel in 2008 elected likud.

Lets elect someone else.

Obama knows of Palestinian experience and does not dismiss it personally. The Obama administration knows of Palestinian experience and does not dismiss it.

Palestinians won’t be forgotten if there is room to remember them. That is what Obama is working.

Another intifada elects likud.

The world will ultimately accept Israel annexing the settlement areas unilaterally, and East Jerusalem if likud is elected for another decade.