Benjamin Netanyahu holds solid lead in Israeli election, exit polls show

Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party appeared to have won by far the most seats in Israel’s election, according to early exit polls, and was just one seat short of the number needed for a majority Right-wing government. The exit polls suggested Mr Netanyahu’s party had won around 37 seats compared to around 33 seats for Blue White, the centrist party led by Benny Gantz, a former army general. If confirmed, the results would mark a striking comeback for Mr Netanyahu, who was trailing Mr Gantz for much of the campaign and is due to go on trial for criminal corruption charges in two weeks’ time. The same polls suggested suggested that Mr Netanyahu and his Right-wing allies won 60 seats in total - one short of the 61 seats needed for a majority. Despite the Likud’s strong showing, there may still be weeks of uncertainty ahead as the prime minister tries to assemble a governing coalition. This is a breaking story, more to follow

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