Israel's election ended in an apparent political deadlock Tuesday, with exit polls showing neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor his main rival Gadi Eisenkot securing a parliamentary majority after a campaign in which Iran featured prominently.
Exit polls released by Israel's major television networks showed Netanyahu's governing bloc and the opposition falling short of the 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-seat Knesset.
Channel 12 projected 52 seats for the opposition bloc and 50 for Netanyahu's alliance, with Arab parties winning the remaining 18 seats. Channel 13 put the opposition at 53 seats, Netanyahu's bloc at 50 and Arab parties at 17. Public broadcaster Kan 11 also projected an inconclusive result.
The deadlock could allow Netanyahu to remain in office in a caretaker capacity while parties attempt to form a coalition. Final results could take several days, and smaller parties may play a decisive role in determining the next government.
Israel's Central Elections Committee reported turnout of 74.3 percent by 8 p.m., the highest recorded at that stage since 1973.
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