Israel election: Netanyahu's Likud leads after 25 percent of votes counted

In the early vote count of Israel's general election, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party is leading. According to international news agencies, with 25.2 percent of votes counted, Likud alone is leading in 32 seats.

Including Netanyahu's coalition partners, the bloc shows a lead in 63 seats. Earlier, public exit polls had indicated that no side would get a clear majority.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has claimed that right-wing parties will win a decisive majority in the election. He has also called for forming a right-wing government. However, uncertainty over government formation remains.

Since Israel's founding in 1948, coalition governments have always been formed there.