(Thumbnail image from San Francisco Sentinel)

“In Jerusalem tonight, hundreds of settlers sending the same message to the President: no you can’t.” (ABC News)

Tensions are growing in the Middle East, but this time, the opposing teams are a bit surprising: it’s the United States vs. Israel. At least that’s how some in the media are pitting the two long-time allies.

The first scuffle came when Obama insisted Israel stop settling in the mostly Arab East Jerusalem.

Then came the US’s resistance to taking military action against Iran, who poses a nuclear threat to Israel.

Our research shows these actions, combined with Obama’s engagement with Muslim leaders, are raising questions about just how friendly the US and Israel are these days.

First, a rep of the Jewish organization, Yesha Council, brings us a perspective from Israeli citizens. He spoke with Israeli news site Ynetnews at a settler’s rally.

"This week the American pressure reached new highs that are a shame to democratic societies. We are brought here by America's treatment of Israel as if it were a banana republic and its willingness to abandon us in order to gain the support of public opinion within the Islamic world."

However, Democratic Strategist Paul Begala tells CNN, Obama’s diplomacy with Muslims doesn’t negate the United State’s obvious commitment to Israel.

“President Obama had it right in Cairo. He could not have been more strong and powerful in his defense and support of Israel in an Arab capital when he said our bond with Israel is unbreakable.”

But it doesn’t seem Israelis got that message so clearly.

Newsweek points out a recent Pew Research survey that shows Israel is the ONLY country to have less confidence in Obama’s foreign policy than President Bush’s.

So, Newsweek writer Gregory Levey provides an interesting solution to the perceived cooling of current US Israel relations: take a hint from Bush.

“…as odd as it sounds, channeling Bush wouldn't be such a bad thing. To help get Israelis behind the new American president… Obama should go to Israel and speak directly to Israelis, the way Bush did often.”

But the Washington Post takes a more pessimistic perspective, claiming playing mediator could be a self-defeating strategy.

“At worst, the president may find himself diminished among both Israelis and Arabs before discussions even begin on the issues on which U.S. clout is most needed.”

Do you think Obama’s rhetoric and actions have cooled US-Israel relations?  If so, is that a good or bad move?