Israel election: Exit polls put Netanyahu's party ahead

Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing allies secured an early lead in Israel’s latest national election, according to exit polls released on Tuesday night after voting closed.

Exit polls published by Israeli broadcasters showed former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party and allied parties  close to securing a majority in the 120-seat Knesset.

Exit polls showed a surge in support for the ultranationalist Religious Zionism party, whose top candidate…