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Polls close in Israeli election Israelis await election outcome
(40 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 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. Ultra-nationalist 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. Likud, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, had held a solid lead in opinion polls prior to the election, but Kadima, led by Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, closed the gap in the final days.
"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. Despite the exit polls, Mr Netanyahu's party claimed victory, saying Likud was in a strong position to create a majority in parliament.
Corruption probe "I am certain that Netanyahu will be the next prime minister," said Likud candidate Gilad Erdan. "Netanyahu has a clear advantage because the right-wing parties have a larger bloc."
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. Lieberman has emerged as the kingmaker Prof Menachem HofnungHebrew University class="" href="/1/hi/world/middle_east/7878046.stm">Jeremy Bowen election diary
Even if the exit polls are proved right, it does not mean Ms Livni will automatically be the next Israeli prime minister. Correspondents say that a right-wing coalition would complicate things for US President Barack Obama, who is promising a strong push for peace in the Middle East.
Analysts say Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beitenu, could be a key figure in deciding the next government.
"Lieberman has emerged as the kingmaker," said Menachem Hofnung, a professor of political science at Hebrew University.
"He is the winner of these elections and it depends on who he sides with over the next few weeks as to who will be prime minister."
Coalition task
Elections were called early after Ms Livni failed to form a new government following Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's decision to step down last year amid a corruption probe against him.
Even if the exit polls are proved right, a strong showing by right-wing rivals will make it difficult for Ms Livni to form a coalition government.
Israel's president traditionally chooses the leader of the party that wins the most parliamentary seats to form a coalition government.Israel's president traditionally chooses the leader of the party that wins the most parliamentary seats to form a coalition government.
But he can also choose any party leader who he believes has the best chance of doing so.But he can also choose any party leader who he believes has the best chance of doing so.
President Shimon Peres is expected to hold talks with party leaders later this week, after the final results are in.President Shimon Peres is expected to hold talks with party leaders later this week, after the final results are in.
Once he has asked a party leader to form a government, he or she has up to 42 days to do so. If the coalition attempt fails, Mr Peres can ask another leader to assume the task.Once he has asked a party leader to form a government, he or she has up to 42 days to do so. If the coalition attempt fails, Mr Peres can ask another leader to assume the task.