Exit polls predict stalemate in Israel

In Israel, exit polls following second general election in five months predicted a stalemate. The final unofficial results were only expected this afternoon, but according to exit polls, neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's  Likud party nor Blue and White alliance of former military chief Benny Gantz had a clear path.

A exit poll released by Israel's public broadcaster Kan early today projected that Blue and White would win 32



seats and Likud 31 in the 120-seat Knesset.

In third place was the Israeli Arab Joint List with 13 seats; followed by Yisrael Beitenu party with nine.

Mr Netanyahu called the snap vote after failing to form a governing coalition in the wake of an election in April. Negotiations on the formation of a new coalition are expected to start after the preliminary results.