Something has changed in Washington. This new US President, Barack Obama, is unlike any that an Israeli leader has faced before.
Certainly he shares Washington's traditional concerns for Israel's security. But his election victory marked a defeat for the neo-conservative Right and the Christian fundamentalists, the ideological camps that have provided the backbone of uncritical support for Israel over recent years.
Mr Obama's popularity extends to America's influential Jewish community - an overwhelming majority of whom voted for him.
The change in mood also extends to Capitol Hill where, when Mr Netanyahu visited Washington, he was left in no doubt that the president's approach is supported by many of Israel's longstanding friends in Congress.
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