Israeli Elections -- Tight

The returns are in and the results suggest that Kadima Party, led by Tzipi Livni, has won a narrow upset over Likud Party. But the far right Yisrael Beitenu Party, led by Avigdor Lieberman, seems to have taken 3rd place, just ahead of the venerable Labor Party. Although Kadima has won the most seats, Benyamin Netanyahu and his Likud Party will likely win out, because there are more rightest party reps in the new Knessett than liberal ones.

This doesn't seem to bode well for peace, since Netanyahu and Likud are favoring the very policies that will continue the divide. But, the key now will be US pressure to stay the course toward peace. Hopefully, George Mitchell can make it clear that the settlements must be dismantled for their to be peace. It may be true that it will take a Netanyahu to bring peace. We can pray!