Israel election sees highest turnout since 1999; exit polls show no clear majority

Israel's general election recorded its highest voter turnout at this hour since 1999, with participation reaching 77.7% by 10 pm, according to official data. However, exit polls suggested that neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc nor the opposition had secured the 61 seats needed for a Knesset majority. Arab parties could play a crucial role in coalition negotiations as Netanyahu faces a challenge from Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar Party.