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Sharon's Tough Task

Ariel Sharon won his battle to become Israel's Prime Minister earlier this month. On February 6, the former military leader won 62% of the popular vote-an Israeli record. But as of election night, the new leader's struggle had just begun.

Outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Barak could not stop the violence between Palestinians and Israelis. A rising death toll was one reason he wasn't re-elected. Sharon vowed to get tough on terrorism and bring peace.

So far, the violence shows no sign of stopping. Eight Israelis were killed and at least 17 were injured last week when a Palestinian bus driver plowed through a bus stop where many Israeli soldiers were waiting. Police said the hit-and-run attack near Tel Aviv was the worst act of terrorism against Israel in nearly five months of fighting. The driver might have been seeking revenge for an attack the day before, in which Israeli soldiers killed a Palestinian security officer and injured 60 others.

Sharon sent three representatives to Washington, D.C., last week to meet with U.S. officials about the new Prime Minister's plans for peace. One of the diplomats, Zalman Shoval, said Israel's new administration would pursue peace: "But we will not do it while terrorism is going on."

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