Jerusalem (CNN) Benjamin Netanyahu was on course to secure a record fifth term as Israeli Prime Minister after his main election rival conceded defeat on Wednesday evening. After a dramatic finish to a tightly-fought race, former army chief Benny Gantz accepted that Netanyahu had won. A center-left bloc led by Gantz's Blue and White party, supported by the Arab parties, would only muster 55 seats. But Netanyahu's path back to power is clearer, combining seats won by two ultra-orthodox religious parties, which both polled well, with those of smaller right-wing groups. "The right-wing bloc led by the Likud won a clear victory.

Source: CNN April 10, 2019 09:54 UTC