The turnout was lower than in previous elections, as expected. Commentators said that Sharon would attempt first to form a national unity government with Labor, for he would not last long with a narrow right-wing government. Sharon has been saddled with a reputation around the world as a war-mongerer, and he plans to make contact with Arab leaders - with whom he has been in contact for years - as early as tonight to dispel this impression.



Palestinian Authority negotiator Nabil Shaath said tonight that the Palestinians would deal with Sharon, \"since the Israeli people - our partner in the peace negotiations - have chosen him. But what kind of peace can he make, if he is not even willing to go as far as Barak did?\" He said that he would not agree to an interim agreement, and that the Palestinians would continue to struggle for what they deserve.