Exit polls suggest former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on course for victory and could return to power after the election on Tuesday. Netanyahu is currently on trial over allegations of corruption. He denies the charges against him.

An Israeli media outlet says the former prime minister's Likud party is expected to become the biggest party with 31 seats.

The polls show Netanyahu's right-wing alliance is poised to take 61 or 62 of the 120 seats lifted by a strong showing from his far-right allies. That would provide a narrow majority over a bloc lead by Prime Minister Yair Lapid's centrist party.

A final result is not expected until later in the week.

Analysts say if a far-right party joins the coalition government, it could cause tensions in the Middle East.

Netanyahu was unseated last year after being in office since 2009.

The coalition government took over but it was marred by political gridlock. It was forced to dissolve earlier this year.

This is the fifth national election in Israel in less than four years.