It was Mr Ariel Sharon's coat-trailing visit to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem which led to the current conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. It may seem unjust, therefore, that he has been rewarded by being convincingly elected as Prime Minister, but the extent of his mandate and the need to make deals with other parties in the Knesset, may hold out some hope that the peace process can continue.
For all his hawkish posturing, Mr Sharon and his supporters are well aware that peace cannot be brought about by military means. Only talks with the Palestinian leadership can achieve this goal and there have been many instances in other places in the past in which political hawks have been more successful than doves in making important compromises.
The Israeli-Palestine situation is, however, more intractable than most geopolitical conflicts. The President of the Palestinian Authority, Mr Yasser Arafat, has to deal not only with Israel's political and military strength, he has continuously to look over his shoulder at Palestinian groups which are doing their utmost to thwart all efforts at securing a peace settlement.
Indeed, there are indications that he may no longer have the ability to deliver on compromises he may reach with Israel and there is little doubt that Mr Sharon's stance has contributed to this situation. Having done his utmost to undermine the peace efforts of his predecessor, Mr Ehud Barak, he became the hate figure which the more extreme Palestinian elements needed in order to gain added support for their efforts to scupper the peace process.
His support in yesterday's poll, notably among the politically volatile and electorally vital community of Russian immigrants, was due to a desire for greater security. The Russian-Israelis have played a key role in recent polls. It was they who were instrumental in electing Mr Barak and ousting Mr Benjamin Netanyahu from power in the last election. Now it is Mr Barak's turn to suffer at their hands. Mr Sharon will realise that this sector of the electorate will turn on him if he does not deliver on his promise of a secure life.
Many observers remain surprised that Mr Barak did not stand aside and allow the more popular Mr Shimon Peres to contest the election in his place but debate on this issue is now futile. Mr Peres has a high standing among Palestinians and moderate Israelis - something that Mr Sharon totally lacks.
In order to gain room for manoeuvre within the Knesset, Mr Sharon will have to embark on a policy of compromise with his fellow Israeli politicians. For his government to survive, he will need support from more than his own Likud party and its right-wing and ultra-religious allies.
It is not beyond the bounds of possibility that he may have to seek Mr Barak's backing in order to ensure his administration's survival. In the past, Mr Sharon has shown little inclination towards conciliation. It is greatly to be hoped that the path of compromise he may be forced to follow with his fellow countrymen in the Knesset may lead to a far more flexible approach towards achieving a peaceful settlement in the Middle East conflict.