The first litmus test for US intentions towards Israel is likely to be played out in the coming weeks, as Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas seeks upgraded membership at the United Nations -- a move Israel and Washington oppose.

Last year, a high-profile Palestinian attempt to seek full state membership was thwarted at the Security Council by US threats of a veto. This year, a veto is out of the question as the bid will be put to a vote in the UN General Assembly.

"It is one question whether Obama will invest any of his political capital to stop them. It is another question altogether if Obama decides to let them do it. Imagine how much Netanyahu is going to like that," Bardenstein wrote.
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He might find himself put to the test sooner than expected, now that he has learned that Obama, and not Romney, will be seated in the Oval Office."