WASHINGTON (CBSDC) — If Mitt Romney was running for president against Barack Obama in Israel, the former Mass. governor would win in a landslide.

A new poll released by The Times of Israel on Thursday showed that 45 percent of Israelis would vote for Romney, compared to 29 percent for the president. Twenty-six percent of Israelis polled didn’t have a preference.

Obama has been criticized for not visiting Israel since he’s been in office, while Romney visited the Jewish state in July.

The poll, conducted by Smith Consulting for Israel Radio, interviewed 400 Israeli adults.

Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have clashed over how to handle Iran’s nuclear intentions. Netanyahu wants to draw a “red line” for the Islamic state and has hinted at launching a military strike against Tehran’s nuclear facilities. On the other hand, the White House wants to force Iran’s hand with crippling sanctions, trying to avert a military strike.

Netanyahu told a French newspaper this week that the Middle East would be “relieved” if Israel took out Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Iran has continually said its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.

The latest Gallup Daily tracking poll has Romney with a 51 to 46 percent lead over Obama among likely voters.