Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on course for a fifth term in office. [Source: Reuters]
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to win re-election after his main rival conceded defeat.
With more than 99 percent of votes counted, Netanyahu’s party was set to lead a right-wing bloc with 65 of the 120 seats in parliament.
His main challenger, Benny Gantz, accepted the result on Wednesday, acknowledging that he had failed to unseat the prime minister.
He said they respected the decision of the people.
A number of right-wing parties expressed their support for Netanyahu and are on course to give him a parliamentary majority.
Addressing a gathering of supporters early on Wednesday, Netanyahu praised the crowd for an “almost unimaginable achievement”.
He said he was very moved that the nation of Israel once again entrusted me for the fifth time, and with even greater trust.
