Netanyahu Widely Expected to Win Re-election

Mr Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister, urged voters to back his conservative Likud Beiteinu bloc after casting his vote in Jerusalem's upmarket Rahavia neighbourhood, before visiting the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest site.

"Likud-Beiteinu represents all the people. The stronger Likud-Beiteinu is, the easier it will be to lead Israel successfully," he said.

His comments were aimed at reversing a surge in support for Naftali Bennett's Right-wing Jewish Home party, which advocates annexing large sections of West Bank land that the Palestinians want for a future state.

Officials said turnout was up on recent elections as unseasonably high temperatures and bright sunshine brought voters out in larger-than-expected numbers.

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