Netanyahu calls for 'strong, right-wing' government, warns against Arab parties as exit polls put rivals in contention

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suffered a setback in the national elections, with exit polls suggesting his bloc and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot's camp each won around 51 seats, while Arab-led parties secured about 18. The results leave the formation of a governing coalition uncertain, with negotiations expected to take weeks. High voter turnout, military conscription exemptions, security concerns and Netanyahu's long tenure emerged as key issues in the election.