Early election results in Israel point to gains for former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing bloc, but neither side appears to have secured a clear parliamentary majority.

Supporters of rival candidate Gadi Eisenkot had hoped to form a coalition, potentially with outside support from Arab parties, though that now looks less likely.

With the final vote count still pending, President Isaac Herzog is expected to consult party leaders before deciding who gets the first chance to build a governing coalition.

Until then, Netanyahu remains head of the caretaker government