
Updated exit polls in Israel show that the bloc against Benjamin Netanyahu maintains a narrow advantage, while Arab voter turnout has reached a historic record.
According to Channel 12 and Channel 13 television, the anti-Netanyahu bloc is expected to win 52 seats, while the prime minister's camp is expected to win 50. To secure a majority in the 120-seat parliament, at least 61 seats are needed.
In the new projections, there are also changes for some parties.
Yisrael Beitenu drops from 9 to 8 seats, while the left-wing "Democrats" party increases from 9 to 10.
According to Channel 13, Arab parties are projected to win a total of 18 seats, up from 17 previously predicted. The United Arab List rises from 10 to 11 seats, while Naftali Bennett's BeYachad party drops from 14 to 13.
Meanwhile, 80% of Arab voters took part in the elections, according to N12 television. This is the highest turnout recorded since 1965, in a community where abstention has traditionally been high.
However, according to exit polls, neither of the two blocs has secured the necessary mandates to form a parliamentary majority.