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Israel election: Netanyahu's Likud 'set for win' Israel election: Netanyahu's Likud 'set for win'
(35 minutes later)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party has won a surprise victory in Israel's election, Israeli media report.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party has won a surprise victory in Israel's election, Israeli media report.
Earlier exit polls had suggested a dead heat with centre-left Zionist Union.Earlier exit polls had suggested a dead heat with centre-left Zionist Union.
With most votes counted, Likud is said to be on course to take 29 seats in the 120-seat parliament, the Knesset, with the Zionist Union on 24 seats.With most votes counted, Likud is said to be on course to take 29 seats in the 120-seat parliament, the Knesset, with the Zionist Union on 24 seats.
If confirmed, this would indicate another coalition government led by Mr Netanyahu.If confirmed, this would indicate another coalition government led by Mr Netanyahu.
Mr Netanyahu would need support from other parties to form a coalition.Mr Netanyahu would need support from other parties to form a coalition.
In a speech to his jubilant supporters in Tel Aviv after Tuesday's polls closed, Mr Netanyahu said he had already spoken to the leaders of other right-of-centre parties about forming a new government "without delay".In a speech to his jubilant supporters in Tel Aviv after Tuesday's polls closed, Mr Netanyahu said he had already spoken to the leaders of other right-of-centre parties about forming a new government "without delay".
He described the vote as a "great victory" for Likud, which had trailed the Zionist Union in opinion polls in the run-up to the election.He described the vote as a "great victory" for Likud, which had trailed the Zionist Union in opinion polls in the run-up to the election.
Mr Netanyahu said the result was achieved "against all odds".Mr Netanyahu said the result was achieved "against all odds".
At the scene: BBC's Kevin Connolly, Likud HQ, Tel Aviv Analysis: BBC's Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen, Jerusalem
The Likud activists were dancing and singing within minutes of the TV stations broadcasting their exit polls quite simply because they can see a relatively simple pathway towards the formation of another right-wing coalition. In the end Israeli opinion polls told the wrong story, yet again.
It would involve Mr Netanyahu teaming up with the secularists of Yisraeli Beitenu and Kulanu, and adding the religious nationalists of Jewish Home and the parties that represent ultra-orthodox Jews like Shas. Benjamin Netanyahu scored a much bigger victory than the exit polls had suggested.
The outline of a workable coalition can be seen much more easily from this vantage point than from the point of view of the leftist Zionist Union led by Yitzhak Herzog. When the polls closed his main opponent Yitzhak Herzog was able to say it was a tie, the best result for the left in more than 20 years.
He campaigned well and if the exit polls are to be believed he polled pretty well too - but the coalition arithmetic simply doesn't look so good for him. But overnight, as the real results emerged, Mr Netanyahu and his governing Likud party emerged as clear winners.
The polls suggested Mr Herzog was close to an outright victory. He broke through by not letting up on social and economic issues.
It would have been a sensational result; the Israeli left had been in the doldrums for a generation; Mr Netanyahu was a clear favourite when he called early elections in December last year. Even in defeat, Mr Herzog has now established himself as the undisputed leader of his party.
Dramatic turnaround for Netanyahu
Likud celebrates surprise successLikud celebrates surprise success
Speaking after the exit polls were published, Zionist Union leader Yitzhak Herzog told his supporters he was confident of forming the next government.Speaking after the exit polls were published, Zionist Union leader Yitzhak Herzog told his supporters he was confident of forming the next government.
"We have achieved an unbelievable achievement today."We have achieved an unbelievable achievement today.
"I will do all that I can in order to create a real socially minded government for Israel.""I will do all that I can in order to create a real socially minded government for Israel."
When final results are known, President Reuven Rivlin will give the task of forming a government to a party leader who he thinks has the strongest chance of assembling a coalition.When final results are known, President Reuven Rivlin will give the task of forming a government to a party leader who he thinks has the strongest chance of assembling a coalition.
Israel's form of proportional representation always produces smaller parties and coalition government, the BBC's Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen in Tel Aviv reports.Israel's form of proportional representation always produces smaller parties and coalition government, the BBC's Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen in Tel Aviv reports.
DivideDivide
Mr 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.
Almost 72% of those eligible voted in the election, which ended at 22:00 local time (20:00 GMT). The turnout was four points higher than the previous election in 2013.Almost 72% of those eligible voted in the election, which ended at 22:00 local time (20:00 GMT). The turnout was four points higher than the previous election in 2013.
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.
Sixty-one seats are needed in order to secure a majority.Sixty-one seats are needed in order to secure a majority.
The Joint Arab List, an alliance of Israeli Arab-dominated parties, has come third with about 13 seats, the exit polls suggested.The Joint Arab List, an alliance of Israeli Arab-dominated parties, has come third with about 13 seats, the exit polls suggested.
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.
Mr Netanyahu had vowed not to allow the creation of a Palestinian state if he wins a fourth term, while Zionist Union has expressed support for a two-state solution and promised to repair relations with Palestinians and the international community.Mr Netanyahu had vowed not to allow the creation of a Palestinian state if he wins a fourth term, while Zionist Union has expressed support for a two-state solution and promised to repair relations with Palestinians and the international community.
The main playersThe main players
Who are the key candidates?Who are the key candidates?
Did you vote in the election? You can share your views by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. If you are available to speak to a BBC journalist, please include a contact telephone number.Did you vote in the election? You can share your views by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. If you are available to speak to a BBC journalist, please include a contact telephone number.
Have your sayHave your say