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Polls close in Israeli election Polls close in Israeli election
(10 minutes later)
Counting is under way in Israel after polls closed in the country's snap general elections.Counting is under way in Israel after polls closed in the country's snap general elections.
Results are expected to be close, with preliminary exit polls giving the ruling Kadima Party 30 seats to the 29 for the opposition Likud. Results are expected to be close, with preliminary exit polls giving the ruling Kadima Party 30 seats to 29 for the opposition Likud.
Right-wing Yisrael Beitenu is forecast to be third, pushing Labour into an unprecedented fourth place.Right-wing Yisrael Beitenu is forecast to be third, pushing Labour into an unprecedented fourth place.
The first official results are not expected for several hours. Final results will come within days.The first official results are not expected for several hours. Final results will come within days.
Cheers erupted at Kadima's headquarters as the exit polls were announced on Israeli TV.Cheers erupted at Kadima's headquarters as the exit polls were announced on Israeli TV.
Earlier, Likud spokesman Roni Rimon expressed dismay as internal polling indicated Kadima was closing the gap.Earlier, Likud spokesman Roni Rimon expressed dismay as internal polling indicated Kadima was closing the gap.
"There is a sense of a missed opportunity. We had in the past a lead of up to five or six seats over Kadima and now we are down to one," he said."There is a sense of a missed opportunity. We had in the past a lead of up to five or six seats over Kadima and now we are down to one," he said.
Elections were called early after Kadima leader Tzipi Livni failed to form a new government following Mr Olmert's decision to step down last year amid a corruption probe against him.Elections were called early after Kadima leader Tzipi Livni failed to form a new government following Mr Olmert's decision to step down last year amid a corruption probe against him.