As for Israel and Putin, I think this will all heavily be determined by what happens after Obama leaves office. Right now, Israel doesn't trust Obama to protect them at the UN. That leaves them with no choice but to potentially set up some quid pro quo with Putin to obtain their veto. They're covering both sides, but if Obama decides to set up a last-minute strike at the UN, perhaps even after the election, Israel will be prepared. If there's one thing they've learned from history, it's caution and backup plans.
Huh? The Obama Administration has continued blocking resolutions and voting in favor of Israel just like every administration before them. What do you mean by a last minute strike at the UN? They've taken literally no steps that would even hint at abstaining, much less initiate their own action at the UN against Israel.
