Israel's president, Moshe Katzav, had publicly urged the army to examine the killings.

ECONOMIST: Fading hopes | The

On the right, Mr Katzav's victory, and more particularly Mr Peres's defeat, is seen as auguring the end of those efforts.

ECONOMIST: Israel

Mr Katzav says he will lock away his political beliefs during his seven-year term and concentrate on the country's social and economic problems.

ECONOMIST: Israel