Oh, oui oui, Sarkozy's belle puts Israelis under a spell

JERUSALEM — In his first presidential visit to Israel, Nicolas Sarkozy has said Israeli-Palestinian peace is immediately attainable, talked tough against Iran's nuclear program and delivered an address to parliament.

But nobody has seemed to notice. Instead, most of Israel's attention has been showered on Sarkozy's glamorous wife, the model-turned-singer Carla Bruni-Sarkozy.

The front pages of Monday's newspapers were filled with pictures of a smiling Bruni-Sarkozy overshadowing her husband.

In the Haaretz daily, a close-up of Carla, taken upon the first couple's arrival at Israel's international airport Sunday, dominated the front page. Sarkozy and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert meekly appeared in the background.

"Queen Carla," said a headline on the front page of Yediot Ahronot, Israel's largest daily. Inside was a two-page spread with a photo collage of her and a breakdown of her wardrobe — including the $2,500 Prada dress she wore upon arrival, a $1,200 purse and a $650 pair of sandals.

The tabloid Israel Hayom crowned her the most beautiful first lady since Jacqueline Kennedy.

Israeli leaders seemed equally impressed. President Shimon Peres blushed, and several ministers giggled, as she stepped off the plane Sunday.