Arab parties could hold key as Netanyahu and Eisenkot set to fall short of victory

Many saw this as a make-or-break election to defeat Israel's most right-wing-ever government, accusing it of stoking racism and hatred.

A huge caveat in all of the current analysis is that the high number of as-yet-uncounted absentee ballots – mostly representing the votes of Israeli soldiers – mean that we are not expecting to have a clear idea of the final results for another day or two.

Overnight, both Netanyahu and Eisenkot addressed their supporters, pledging to form the next government.

"The right-wing bloc has a clear, decisive majority among the Zionist public, among the Jewish public and all those who support the Jewish state. That is what has become clear. A decisive majority," the PM told his celebrating supporters – although he stopped short of declaring victory.