As analysts and investors look carefully at the result of recent Israeli elections , they should not get distracted by endless discussions about Middle East politics and military draft. They may want to hone on the government's annual returns. The devil is in the details.

We in Israel have no choice but to move towards a social contract of mutual respect and equal rights for all, and we should take America's reelection of President Barack Hussein Obama as an inspiration.

Exactly which regime change does Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have in mind -- Iran's or that of the United States, specifically with the ascent of his old/new pal Mitt Romney to the White House?

Peres' appearance may indicate, that the opponents of an Israeli military strike have become so desperate in their bid to prevent it, that they are ready to go to the last resort and appeal directly to the public.

A third intifada could have disastrous consequences for all parties involved. Yet it remains unclear if a new uprising would be directed against Palestinian leaders for failing to deliver realistic change and reform or against Israel -- or both.

By expanding the coalition, Netanyahu has provided himself with the ideal political environment to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians and bridge the social gap domestically.

In some ways, it's a bit of a surprise that Israel's political system hasn't collapsed of its own weight. Here are four major issues that weaken the system.

Being pro-Israel means caring about Israel. It does not mean using it as an excuse for power brokering and suppressing dissident voices.

How many world leaders can say that they have killed terrorist masterminds at point-blank range on a mission inside an enemy's capital? Barak has. How many world leaders have stormed a hijacked aircraft to rescue terrified passengers? Netanyahu has.

Why does the US boycott one of its own citizens who happens to be the Christian mayor of Bethlehem? This has been the case regarding Victor Batarse.

Nothing seems to penetrate the minds of Israel's right-wing politicians. It's as if they live in a bunker where the simplest of truths -- that most of the word wants a Palestinian state along 1967 lines -- doesn't reach them.

Undermined by nearly a decade of right-wing dominance, the Israeli left has found itself farther from power than ever before in the 62-year history of the country.

Though he remains in a coma following a massive 2006 stroke, former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon continues to court controversy. Only this time...

In East Jerusalem, more than half the children within the ages of compulsory education cannot matriculate into the public school system.

Over time, Jerusalem has become the symbol of the Israeli "having it all" illusion. The attempt to "have our cake and eat it too" has no future and relegates the city to a chaotic state of uncertainty.