World media hails Israel's 'political earthquake'

The right wing is reported to be weaker than ever

Ehud Barak's dramatic landslide victory has been heralded as a breakthrough in Middle East politics by newspapers around the world.

The Jerusalem Post says the entire Israeli political landscape has "dramatically shifted".

In an editorial called "The tie that was broken", the newspaper says the right wing has been left weaker than it has been for decades.

The New York Times calls the election result "a political earthquake for Israel and the Middle East" and "a resounding call for a revival of the languishing Israeli-Palestinian peace effort."

But it also notes that Mr Barak has provided few details on how to achieve his stated aims.

Another New York newspaper, Newsday, says the United States is expecting a much easier personal relationship between Mr Clinton and Mr Barak "than was possible with the often abrasive Netanyahu".

"Those who know Barak well expect him to be tough-minded and cautious but to proceed with determination on all the open issues including the Palestinian homeland, Lebanon and Syria," it said.

Tough problems at home

The beaming face of Mr Barak waving to his supporters also dominates the European front pages this morning.

In France, Liberation's banner headline asks the question - "And Now, Peace?"

The paper says the new prime minister will not be able to content himself with finding a peaceful compromise with the neighbouring Arab people. He will also have to reconcile the tribes which make up his own country.

Madrid's El Pais writes that Barak's victory is great news for the Palestinians, who are confident that the new prime minister will be more receptive to their demands.

The paper also believes it will be good news for the European Union, which had lost a leading role in the region as a result of its continuous disagreements with Mr Netanyahu.

'Peace and security'

In the UK, the Daily Telegraph says Mr Barak's triumph will raise peace hopes while The Independent sees it as a huge vote for change.

The Times believes the Middle East is poised on the edge of a new era.

In its editorial, it describes Mr Barak's victory as a sensation, and says he has succeeded in recasting himself in the image of the former Israeli Prime Minister, Yitzhak Rabin, who was assassinated in 1995.

It says Mr Barak has adopted a position on a future Palestinian state and negotiations with Syria, which is not significantly different in substance from Mr Netanyahu's.

According to The Times, this has re-established the Labour's credibility as a party that can deliver Israel both peace and security.