This is a gamble, since the Israelis and Palestinians are still far apart on the most important issues.

ECONOMIST: Fox populi

Mr Sarkozy had attacked Mr Hollande for refusing to hold three election debates instead of one, but there has been just one debate per presidential election since 1974, apart from in 2002 when Jacques Chirac refused to debate with the far right's Jean-Marie Le Pen.

BBC: France election: Sarkozy and Hollande trade insults