Counting of votes in Israel’s general elections underway

Exit polls following Israel’s second general election in five months suggest the result is too close to call.

Incumbent prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s party is projected to win 30 to 33 seats and that of his main challenger, Benny Gantz, 32-34 seats.

A prime minister needs to command a 61-seat majority in parliament while the smaller Yisrael Beiteinu party appears to hold the balance of power.

Official results are expected on today and Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving leader, is vying to win a record fifth term in office.

Mr Netanyahu, who leads the right-wing Likud party, has pledged to annex Jewish settlements and a swathe of other territory in the occupied west bank if he is returned to power.

Palestinians, who seek a state in the west bank, have warned such a move will kill any hopes for peace.

Mr Gantz, who leads the centrist blue and white party, has not advocated any form of annexation though his position on the creation of a Palestinian state is unclear.

Mr Netanyahu called the snap election after failing to form a governing coalition in the wake of an election in April.