French TV reports that conservative candidate Nicolas Sarkozy has defeated liberal socialist Segolene Royal in the presidential race. As evening fell, turnout at the polls reached 75 percent in mainland France — the highest rate on record.

Former Israeli diplomat Avi Pazner said Sunday that Sarkozy will institute a "more balanced and more Israel-friendly Middle East policy" than outgoing president Jacques Chirac.

Sarkozy is adamantly opposed to Iran's nuclear plan.