JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu won the Israeli national election, securing a record fifth term in office, Israeli media reported.

Netanyahu won the election despite running neck-and-neck with his contender Benny Gantz, Israel’s major television channels said today.

With 97 percent of the votes counted, neither of the parties had captured a ruling majority.

However, Netanyahu was in a strong position to form a coalition government with other right-wing factions. (Agencies)