Netanyahu warns of a 'left-Arab government' as polls close

Outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the possibility of a government formed by the left and the Arab parties as a 'government of terror', after voting ended in the Knesset election.

Netanyahu's remarks come as close early results give the opposition a chance to form a government that may need the support of Arab parties, a prospect he is warning against to rally his base.

His comments drew criticism from opponents, who see them as incitement against Arab citizens, about a fifth of Israel's population.

The exchanges reflect the deep polarisation of the campaign, which is expected to carry over into coalition negotiations.