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Israel election: No clear winner, exit polls suggest Israel election: No clear winner, exit polls suggest
(35 minutes later)
Neither Israel's governing Likud party nor the opposition Zionist Union has a clear lead in Israel's general election, exit polls suggest.Neither Israel's governing Likud party nor the opposition Zionist Union has a clear lead in Israel's general election, exit polls suggest.
Exit polls by two Israeli broadcasters gave both sides 27 seats each in the 120-seat parliament, the Knesset.Exit polls by two Israeli broadcasters gave both sides 27 seats each in the 120-seat parliament, the Knesset.
Both sides would need support from other parties in order to form a coalition government. Both would need support from other parties to form a governing coalition.
More than 65% of those eligible voted in the election, which ended at 22:00 local time (20:00 GMT). Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the vote as a "great victory" for his Likud party, which is credited with a better result than expected.
Likud had trailed the centre-left Zionist Union in opinion polls last week, correspondents say.
However, Zionist Union, headed by Yitzhak Herzog, said that the "spin" from Likud was "premature" and everything was "possible until the real results are in".
Final results are not expected until Wednesday morning.Final results are not expected until Wednesday morning.
When results are known, Israel's president will give the task of forming a government to a party leader who he thinks has the strongest chance of assembling a coalition.When results are known, Israel's president will give the task of forming a government to a party leader who he thinks has the strongest chance of assembling a coalition.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could become Israel's longest-serving leader if he secures a fourth term. Mr Netanyahu could become Israel's longest-serving leader if he secures a fourth term.
No party has ever won an outright majority under Israel's proportional representation voting system.No party has ever won an outright majority under Israel's proportional representation voting system.
More than 71% of those eligible voted in the election, which ended at 22:00 local time (20:00 GMT).
Israel's Channel 1 and Channel 10 both projected 27 seats each for Likud and Zionist Union, while Channel 2 gave Likud a one-seat lead, with 28 seats.Israel's Channel 1 and Channel 10 both projected 27 seats each for Likud and Zionist Union, while Channel 2 gave Likud a one-seat lead, with 28 seats.
The Joint Arab List, an alliance of Israeli Arab-dominated parties, has come third with about 13 seats, exit polls suggest.The Joint Arab List, an alliance of Israeli Arab-dominated parties, has come third with about 13 seats, exit polls suggest.
It has said, however, that it will not take any positions in government.It has said, however, that it will not take any positions in government.