Israelis are siding largely with Democratic candidate Mr Al Gore over Republican Mr George W. Bush in today's US presidential election, while the Palestinians are expecting nothing good no matter who takes wins.
"There is a general US policy which is to support Israel . . . which is accepted and practised by both parties," said Mr Shlomo Slonim, a professor of American studies at Jerusalem's Hebrew University.
Mr Bush and Mr Gore have both been trying to appeal to the US Jewish community, which traditionally votes Democrat.
Palestinian expert Mr Mahdi Abdul Hadi agreed with Mr Slonim. "Israel has a strategic alliance with Washington; the basic element is the strategic alliance. So this election will not change much," said Mr Hadi, director of the Palestinian Academic Society for the Study of International Affairs.
Mr Gore represents a sign of continuity with President Clinton, considered by many Israelis as one of the best friends the state has ever had.
The Prime Minister, Mr Ehud Barak, hopes President Clinton will succeed in relaunching peace negotiations before he leaves the White House on January 20th. Mr Clinton is due to meet Palestinian leader Mr Yasser Arafat on Thursday and Mr Barak on Sunday.