Israel Elections: No clear winner as both leading parties claim victory

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01:40

The closely-watched election in Israel is too close to call. Early exit polls at different times have shown both contenders Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opponent Benny Gantz in the lead. But Netanyahu seems to have a tight lead and media in Israel say he has the best chance of keeping his job. CGTN's Stephanie Freid reports.

Triumphant cheers & emotional displays.

As the first exit polls went public, both leading parties claimed a win.

Now it's up to the leading party leaders to negotiate building the 61 parliament seat majority needed to form a government with potential coalition partners.

KARIN ELHARAR, MEMBER BLUE AND WHITE PARTY "We are going to talk with everybody and we are going to form the next coalition."

That confidence is coming from both sides.

STEPHANIE FREID TEL AVIV "The results aren't official and both sides are claiming victory. But Blue and White party members here say that no matter what happens in the coming days, the outcome tonight is significant."

After four terms of a right-wing government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, it appears many Israeli voters wanted change.

BENNY GANTZ, LEADER BLUE AND WHITE PARTY "Our nation and our society chose honor and chose to unite, chose to run from criminality."

Official numbers will also determine which of the smaller parties were eliminated in the vote and which may be potential coalition partners. Stephanie Freid, CGTN, Tel Aviv.