Prime Minister Netanyahu shaking hands with PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas as President Obama looks on.

Israelis and Palestinian Arabs have vastly different views of the U.S., but share the hope that President Barack Obama will undertake a larger role in fostering peace.

According to a new Pew Poll, 79% of Palestinian Arabs view the United States unfavorably, versus only 16% of Israelis. Only 15% of Palestinians believe that the Palestinian Authority has a good relationship with the U.S. Administration, compared to 94% of Israelis who believe their government does.

The contrasts remain considerable throughout the poll except where the U.S. President’s role in the conflict is concerned. Israelis (49%) and Palestinians (41%) believe he should have an increased role.

According to the poll, 61% of Palestinians believe that there are no prospects for Palestinian statehood compared to 38% of Israelis who share the same belief.

Israelis, on balance, believe a way can be found for an independent Palestinian state to coexist peacefully with their country. Palestinians, on the other hand, overwhelmingly do not think this is possible, and a plurality believes violence rather than negotiations or nonviolent protest is the best way to achieve statehood.

Also of note was the response of Israelis to settlement activity. A large portion of respondents, 42%, said that they believe building Jewish communities in the West Bank poses a security risk.