Israel's election resulted in a political deadlock on Tuesday as exit polls showed neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor main challenger Gadi Eisenkot secured the 61-seat majority required to form a government.
Eisenkot's opposition bloc was projected slightly ahead with around 52 to 53 seats compared to Netanyahu's alliance receiving 50 seats, while Likud remained the largest single party with 24 to 25 seats.
Arab-led parties made significant gains and could secure up to 17 or 18 seats following a record turnout, potentially emerging as decisive factors in upcoming coalition negotiations.