Israel election: Netanyahu and Eisenkot both pledge to form government

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival Gadi Eisenkot have both pledged to form the next government following Tuesday's national parliamentary election. The two are projected to finish neck and neck, leaving the outcome of the vote unclear.

According to exit polls, which survey voters as they leave polling stations, neither of the two main political blocs has won a majority in parliament. That suggests forming a government could be difficult and may depend on further negotiations over support.

France 24 describes the election as critical for Israel. The source does not give projected vote shares or seat numbers, so the final balance of power will become clear only once official results are published.