Mr Ayalon has already said he will pull Labour out of the coalition if he wins, almost certainly forcing an election.

ECONOMIST: Israel

But, even if he wins he will almost certainly have to form another coalition, given the proportional nature of Israel's voting system, our correspondent says.

BBC: Middle East

Consequently, they will certainly form the basis for his policy towards Israel if he wins a second term in office.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Israel -- Obama's wedge issue

Timothy Geithner has repeatedly said he does not expect to stay on if President Obama wins re-election, and Republican challenger Mitt Romney would certainly want to install his own Treasury Secretary should he defeat the incumbent.

FORBES: Moody's Says U.S. Has Until End Of 2013 To Save AAA Rating