Israeli leaders offer congrats to President-elect Barack Obama

Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC:

President Shimon Peres:
"It was an American election and a worldwide choice. I don't recall any other election that practically all of humanity was following with hope and concern. I want to congratulate the newly-elected President: young, fresh, promising, representing a change and introducing change. The changes that I can mention – it is an opportunity to escape the present world crisis and enter into a new era of cooperation, of productive economy and of human solidarity. In a way, it is an end of racism. There is no longer any way that any white man can claim superiority, nor any black person feel discrimination. We are the same people, and this election is a great statement to that effect. I must say that the elections themselves were a great event for the American democracy. I also have the utmost respect for the other candidate John McCain, who fought with great courage and stamina. And when it was over, they shook hands together. For us, America is a great friend and a great hope. We are connected by the Bible and we are together for peace. When President Obama was here, he asked me what he can do for Israel. My answer was: be a great President of the United States of America. If you will be a great President of the United States of America, you will have great promise for Israel as well, and for all of the region and for all of our neighbors. Nobody should look at whose side the President is on – he just has to be on the side of peace. And if he will be on the side of peace, peace will come closer and more possible. I think that all of us are excited and hopeful and send our best wishes from the eternal capital of Jerusalem."

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert:
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert today (Wednesday), 5 November 2008, congratulates President-elect Barack Obama on his historic and impressive victory in the US presidential election. Once again, America has proven that it is, indeed, the greatest democracy and constitutes an example for all other democracies in the world. President-elect Obama has proven his leadership and his talents to the entire world. Prime Minister Olmert said that the special Israel-US relationship is based on shared values and interests and is characterized by ties of close cooperation. Israel and the US have a common desire to advance peace and stability in the Middle East. We have no doubt that the special relations that prevail between the two countries will continue to strengthen during the Obama administration.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Livni:
"This is a mark of merit for American democracy. During Barack Obama's visit to Israel, and especially during the tour we conducted together in the city of Sderot, the people of Israel were impressed by his commitment to the peace and security of Israel. Israel looks forward to continued close strategic cooperation with the new administration, the new president and the US Congress, in order to continue to strengthen the unchanging special relationship between our two countries."