Nationalists gain over 40% of French votes, coming closer than ever to the Élysée Palace and entrenching racism and xenophobia in the mainstream

At celebration, atmosphere is restrained with the realization that people had not voted for him, but rather against his far-right rival Le Pen

Despite his clear victory over Marine Le Pen, there is mounting concern with her showing marking the closest the far-right has come to taking power in France

Foreign minister Lapid lauds the French president as a 'true friend of Israel'; Sarcelles-born MK Yomtob Kalfon says he hopes for even closer French-Israeli ties

Far-right Le Pen concedes defeat, calls results a 'brilliant victory'; incumbent would become the first French president in 20 years to win another five years in office

While incumbent holds lead in polls, far-right is closest it has ever been to power; analysts caution low turnout could sway the result in either direction

Macron favored to win another five-year term, but outcome is far from certain in election that could have far-reaching repercussions for Europe and the war in Ukraine

Despite polls showing French president heading toward reelection, there is concern that low turnout, leftist disillusionment could still see far-right challenger prevail

Incumbent president seem to says 'oy, oy, oy' while arguing with far-right rival about national debt, but some suggest he actually used similar sounding French term 'aïe'

Le Pen has softened her public image, but top priority of her program is to prioritize French citizens over migrants, as Macron tries to eat away at same base