Exit polls show big gains for Arab parties in Israel

The first exit polls from Israel's parliamentary election showed significant gains for the Arab parties.

Arab citizens make up about a fifth of Israel's population, and their Knesset representation has often depended on turnout and on whether their lists run together.

The gains give the Arab parties more weight in parliamentary arithmetic, with the two main camps close and each needing a 61-seat majority.

The figures remain preliminary pending official results from the Central Elections Committee once counting is complete.