Israelis are preparing for the upcoming visit of U.S. President Barack Obama, who is due to visit Israel and the Palestinian territories March 20th.<br/> <br />In the past year, the White House has voiced condemnation of Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank -- something U.S. presidents have described for decades as an obstacle to peace.<br/> <br />Expectations are low<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) RESIDENT OF TEL AVIV, MOSHE FLEISHMAN, SAYING:<br/> <br />"I think that he is not popular in the country, I think that the impression he has is that he is ignoring the Israeli government and our needs".<br/> <br />In Ramallah demonstrators continue to call for the release of Palestinian prisoners. Some hope that Obama can help.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) UM KHALED, MOTHER OF A PALESTINIAN PRISONER ON HUNGER STRIKE IN ISRAELI JAIL, SAYING:<br/> <br />"We expect (U.S. President Barack) Obama to secure the release of the Palestinian prisoners who are on (hunger) strike as well as those on administrative dentition.
