Israel election results live: exit polls point to tie between Netanyahu and Eisenkot blocs

Both blocs would fall short of the 61 seats needed to form a government as support for Palestinian parties surges

• Full report: Israel election too close to call as exit polls give Netanyahu bloc slightly fewer seats

• Analysis: Rise of Palestinian parties in Knesset will redraw Israel’s political landscape

• Israel election: what we know so far

Donald Trump has said he is “hearing that [Netanyahu] did very well,” speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. “I actually heard he did pretty well.”

Trump cautioned that it was a “little bit early” and said he has not yet spoken with Netanyahu about the results. Trump endorsed Netanyahu late in the campaign, while Netanyahu stressed his close ties with the White House in his election night speech.

When President Trump endorsed Bibi Netanyahu, the whole tide turned, and now, rather than a decisive defeat for a Great Prime Minister, it looks like a big come-from-behind stalemate, or even a WIN for Netanyahu. It all took place AFTER the Endorsement by President Trump, who only wants what is good for the Middle East, Israel, and the United States of America!”