Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed "a giant victory" in elections on Tuesday, boasting that his right-wing Likud party had defied "all expectations" in the country's third vote in less than a year.
After exit polls by three networks forecast that Likud and its allies were on track to win 59 parliamentary seats - two short of majority - the premier mocked those who "predicted the end of Netanyahu".
Some experts had argued that Mr Netanyahu could struggle to secure re-election after being charged with corruption and facing a trial due to start in two weeks.
The election, Israel's third in less than a year, was called after inconclusive votes in April and September plunged the Jewish state into political stalemate.
Mr Netanyahu tweeted "thank you" after the polls.
"It's a huge victory for Israel," he added.
Israel's former military chief Benny Gantz, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's main election rival, admitted "disappointment" on Tuesday with projections that put his centrist Blue and White party behind the right-wing premier's Likud.
"I share your feelings of disappointment and pain," Mr Gantz told supporters in Tel Aviv after exit polls indicated Likud was better placed to form Israel's next government, adding he had hoped for "a different result".
With ballot papers still being counted, Mr Gantz said his camp had to wait for official results.
But voter surveys by three Israeli networks indicated that Mr Netanyahu and his right-wing allies, including Jewish ultra-Orthodox parties, could control 59 parliamentary seats - two short of a majority.
Blue and White, its allies on the left plus the mainly Arab Joint List alliance were estimated to have won between 54 and 55 seats.
Mr Gantz also stressed that despite the results, Mr Netanyahu was still set to go on trial on March 17, after being charged with various offences including bribery and breach of trust.
"In two weeks, (Netanyahu) will be in court, accused of serious misconduct," Mr Gantz said.
The election was being held amid the coronavirus epidemic, with two new cases confirmed Monday - raising the tally in Israel to 12.
Another 5,600 Israelis are under self-quarantine, many of whom visited countries where the virus is prevalent.
Israelis watch a woman casting her ballot inside a special polling station for voters in home quarantine on coronavirus suspicion, in Tel Aviv, Israel. Source: AAP
At 18 special polling stations, those under quarantine met election staff in full protective suits and masks.
Voters had to wash their hands and wear gloves before casting their ballots, presenting their ID cards to election officials separated by plastic sheets.
