One group of Israelis is very happy with the victory of Barack Obama in the US presidential election - they believe they are related to him.

The Bedouin tribesmen of the northern village of Bir al-Maksour say they plan to travel to Washington to congratulate Obama personally.

Sheikh Abdul Rahman Abdullah told Israeli daily Yediot Acharonot that Obama's Kenyan grandfather was married to one of the tribe's women. He said: "With us Bedouins, you know who you're related to, even after many generations."

Several sheep will be slaughtered in his honour, he added.