Turnout so far highest in decades as Israelis vote in pivotal election

Turnout is at its highest so far in more than four decades, as Israelis vote in what many view as one of the most pivotal elections in the country's history.

Polling published on Friday suggests incumbent Benjamin Netanyahu is almost neck-and-neck with former military chief Gadi Eisenkot in the race to become prime minister.

But neither of their political blocs are projected to win the 61 seats needed to form a majority government - meaning weeks or months of political wrangling may lie ahead.