Netanyahu Declares Victory in Israeli Election

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared victory in Israel's election despite being tied with the opposition party in exit polls.

 Mr Netanyahu took to Twitter to declare a 'great victory' for his right-wing Likud party despite polls showing a dead heat with its main opponent, the centre-left Zionist Union led by Isaac Herzog.

The Prime Minister wrote: 'Against all odds: a great victory for Likud, a great victory for the national camp led by Likud, a great victory for the people of Israel.'
 The early figures set off huge celebrations at the Likud campaign headquarters in Tel Aviv.

Speaking to supporters at party headquarters in Tel Aviv, Herzog said: 'This result allows us to return to power. We will wait for the real results - everything is open.' He added that he would make 'every effort; to cobble together the next coalition government.