Poll finds Israelis view Obama favorably, believe he is fair despite diplomatic row with US

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Poll: Israelis view Obama favorably despite row

JERUSALEM — 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.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli police presence in east Jerusalem is high and Palestinian access to the city’s holiest site is being strictly limited in anticipation of possible unrest Friday.

Israel is also barring nearly all West Bank Palestinians from entering the city.

Friday is the Muslim holy day, and in tense times protests often break out after midday prayers.

Palestinians and police clashed repeatedly this past week in east Jerusalem.

The violence coincided with a U.S.-Israeli diplomatic feud.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton with a proposal to defuse the crisis, which erupted over Israeli plans to build 1,600 apartments in east Jerusalem.

Neither side released details.