Benjamin Netanyahu-led coalition to form new government after securing impressive win in Israel's election

The outcome of the election, the fifth in less than four years, also ends an unprecedented period of political deadlock that began in 2019.

Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party and its far-right and religious allies have secured an emphatic victory in Israel's general elections, bringing the country's longest-serving premier back at the helm and ending the prolonged political impasse plaguing the Jewish nation.

Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid called Mr. Netanyahu on Thursday evening to congratulate him on winning the elections, just under 48 hours after polls closed. Mr. Lapid said that he has instructed all departments of the Prime Minister's Office to prepare for an orderly transfer of power.

"The State of Israel is above any political consideration," Mr. Lapid said in a tweet.

Israel's Central Election Committee on Thursday announced the final allocation of seats for the 25th Knesset, giving 73-year-old Netanyahu and his likely political allies 64 seats in the 120-member parliament, enough for a governing majority.

President Isaac Herzog will now begin consultations with politicians on forming a new government after results are officially certified on November 9.

The outcome of the election, the fifth in less than four years, also ends an unprecedented period of political deadlock that began in 2019, when Mr. Netanyahu was charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust, which he denies.

Mr. Netanyahu's ruling Likud party won 32 seats in the Knesset while outgoing Prime Minister Yair Lapid's Yesh Atid got 24 seats.