In pictures: Israel's election

Israelis have elected right-winger Ariel Sharon as prime minister by a wide margin.

Mr Sharon claimed victory after incumbent PM Ehud Barak conceded defeat.

Supporters of Ariel Sharon's Likud party begin celebrating as exit polls predict a landslide victory

Labour supporters despair as the extent of Ehud Barak's defeat becomes clear

Ehud Barak concedes defeat and resigns as Labour Party leader

Palestinians in a South Lebanon refugee camp show their feelings towards Ariel Sharon

Palestinians in Shatila refugee camp - scene of a massacre for which Mr Sharon was blamed - read the news of his victory

Ariel Sharon visits the grave of his late wife Lily at his farm in Israel's southern Negev Desert

And later he offered thanksgiving prayers at the Western Wall in Jerusalem

And in Tel Aviv, someone wonders how to clear up all the election leaflets