Israeli election is a sign of change to come

Back in November, Ariel Sharon named his newly formed party Kadima, which is the Hebrew word for "forward." Now, election day is over in Israel, and with Kadima capturing a plurality of seats in the Knesset, the results point to a nation ready, if not eager, to move forward.

Sharon's successor, Ehud Olmert, emerged victorious this week because he understood that the status quo -- with stalled peace talks and Israel's costly occupation of Palestinian territories -- could not sustain itself forever. After the Hamas victory in January, it was time for a change.

Israeli voters ratified that desire for change.

After declaring victory, Olmert wasted no time. He made clear his intention to mobilize further Israeli withdrawals from the West Bank, even extending a hand to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in partnership. But Olmert should expect little in return.

That's because, in one of those amazing confluences of history, the Palestinian assembly approved and swore in the recently elected Hamas government on the very same day as the Israeli elections.

Then, in what was surely no coincidence, Gaza-based militants fired Katyusha rockets into Israel, the first time those powerful weapons had been fired from there since Israel's Gaza withdrawal last summer. No one was hurt, but this was, to put it mildly, an unwelcome development.

The Hamas government shows no signs of moderation, at least so far. One Palestinian official even said this week that terrorist suspects would no longer be detained by Palestinian Authority police. And there is no prospect that Hamas will recognize Israel any time soon. That's why the United States on Wednesday, March 29 instructed its diplomats in the region to cut off all contacts with the new Palestinian government.

Once Olmert forms his parliamentary coalition and becomes prime minister, we expect he will act quickly on his promises: further disengagement, continued construction of the security barrier, working together with Palestinians when he can, acting unilaterally when he must.

The incoming prime minister does not begin his term from a position of strength. The record-low voter turnout, the still-fresh shock of Ariel Sharon's massive stroke, and the lack of consolidated power all point to a long road ahead for Olmert and his agenda.

But the Israeli people have spoken. They want out of the West Bank, they want permanent borders, and most of all they want peace.

We can only hope that Ehud Olmert delivers for them.