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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. Israel's governing Likud party and the opposition Zionist Union are neck-and-neck in Israel's general election, according to exit polls.
Exit polls by two Israeli broadcasters gave both sides 27 seats each in the 120-seat parliament, the Knesset. Estimates by two Israeli broadcasters gave both sides 27 seats each in the 120-seat parliament, the Knesset.
Both would need support from other parties to form a governing coalition.Both would need support from other parties to form a governing coalition.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the vote as a "great victory" for his Likud party, which is credited with a better result than expected.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. Likud had trailed the centre-left Zionist Union in opinion polls last week.
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".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.
Haaretz newspaper quotes President Reuven Rivlin as saying: "Only a unity government can prevent the rapid disintegration of Israel's democracy and new elections in near future."
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.
More than 71% of those eligible voted in the election, which ended at 22:00 local time (20:00 GMT). 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. Analysts say Likud may find it easier to form a coalition than Zionist Union, given the support Likud has from right-wing parties.
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.
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 players
Who are the key candidates?