Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed victory in Israel's election but exit polls showed that he was one seat short of a majority.
The Prime Minister was ahead of his main rival in the country’s third election in under a year, Monday night’s predictions showed.
Despite this, it was unclear whether he could clinch the majority needed to claim victory.
Mr Netanyahu wrote on Twitter: "We won thanks to our belief in our path and thanks to the people of Israel."
Exit polls aired by three TV stations saw Mr Netanyahu's Likud party and like-minded parties taking 60 of parliament's 120 seats - shy of a governing majority.
Actual results are due to be released on Tuesday.
Polls on Israel's main TV channels showed Mr Netanyahu and his nationalist and religious allies winning 60 seats, one short of a parliamentary majority.
The centre-left bloc, led by former military chief Benny Gantz, was projected to win 52 to 54 seats.
If the official results match the exit polls, Mr Netanyahu would receive a major boost ahead of his trial on corruption charges, set to begin on March 17.
Mr Netanyahu, the longest-serving leader in Israeli history, has been a caretaker prime minister for more than a year.
The divided country has weathered two inconclusive votes and prolonged political paralysis.
He faced a stiff challenge again from Mr Gantz, whose centrist Blue and White party ran on a campaign message that the PM is unfit to lead because of the serious charges against him.
Mr Netanyahu is due in court on 17 March to face charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in connection with three separate cases.
Both parties appear unable to form a coalition with their traditional allies.
With the prospect of a unity government between them seemingly off the table after a particularly nasty campaign, the vote may turn into a preamble to another election.
"I hope that today marks the start of a healing process, where we can begin living together again," Mr Gantz had said while casting his ballot in his home town of Rosh Ha'ayin, warning voters not to "get drawn in by the lies or by the violence" after the acrimonious campaign.
There was little fanfare ahead of the vote, with a noticeable absence of campaign posters on the streets and public rallies that typically characterise the run-up to Israeli elections.
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Israel had set up 15 stations to allow voting by hundreds of Israelis ordered to remain in home quarantine after possible exposure to coronavirus.
"The corona thing is completely under control. Today we've taken all the precautions that are necessary. People can go and vote with complete confidence," Mr Netanyahu said after casting his ballot in Jerusalem.
He sought to portray himself as a statesman who is uniquely qualified to lead the country through challenging times.
Mr Gantz has tried to paint him as divisive and scandal-plagued, offering himself as a calming influence and an honest alternative.
He says he favours a national unity government with Likud, but only if it rids itself of its longtime leader because of the corruption charges against him.
Mr Netanyahu, who still enjoys widespread support in his party, insists he must remain prime minister in any unity deal.
