Israeli exit polls indicate Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni's
centrist Kadima Party has a narrow lead over the nationalist Likud Party in
Israel's parliamentary election.
Surveys released as voting ended Tuesday indicate the ruling Kadima Party may
win about two seats more than the opposition Likud faction of Benjamin
Netanyahu.
But the exit polls suggest that Likud and its allies will have a majority of
seats in the 120-member chamber. If the surveys are confirmed, it would be
difficult for Ms. Livni's Kadima and her allies to form a governing coalition.
Kadima and Likud both declared victory, saying they expect to lead the next
government. Exit polls show the ultranationlist Yisrael Beiteinu party is
likely to become the third largest in parliament, giving it major influence in
coalition negotiations.