Israeli parliamentary elections

BBC News Interactive examines the elections, and what the results mean for the peace process.

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Sharon 'swept back to power' - 28th January

Ariel Sharon's ruling Likud Party has won the general election by a wide margin, Israeli television exit polls show. According to preliminary results, Likud captured up to 36 seats, almost doubling its representation in the Israeli Knesset

The BBC's Orla Guerin reports

The BBC's Emily Buchanan looks back on Ariel Sharon's record

Labour concedes

The main opposition Labour Party suffered the worst defeat in its history, losing up to eight of the 25 seats it held before the poll, according to the exit results. Its leader, Amram Mitzna, ruled out joining a right-wing coalition.

Amram Mitzna's concession speech

Ariel Sharon thanked his supporters

Palestinian cabinet minister Nabil Sha'ath said they expected difficult days ahead

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Polling day - 28th January

Israelis are casting their votes for a new parliament - their third election in four years, which is almost certain to return incumbent Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to office.

The BBC's Barbara Plett reports

Gil Hoffman of the Jerusalem Post says the election campaign has been very quiet.

The link between conflict and economic sloth has become increasingly evident as unemployment soars, incomes drop and poverty increases.

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