Poll: Israelis View Obama Favorably Despite Row

A poll shows an overwhelming majority of Israelis think President Barack Obama is fair and friendly toward Israel, despite a grave diplomatic feud with the U.S. over east Jerusalem construction.

Israelis are sending mixed signals about their own leader, however. The poll shows 36 percent of those questioned think Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is best suited to lead Israel, versus 26 percent for his closest challenger, opposition leader Tzipi Livni.

Another survey shows Livni would overtake Netanyahu if elections were held today.

The polls show between 41 and 46 percent of Israelis would freeze construction in Jerusalem's disputed eastern sector, the issue at the heart of the U.S.-Israeli row. But about half object to a freeze.