Israeli PM Lapid Concedes Defeat To Netanyahu In Election

A statement said Lapid congratulated Netanyahu and has instructed his office to prepare an organized transition of power.

Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has won this week's Israeli election, final results showed Thursday, clearing the way for him to return to power.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid congratulated Netanyahu and instructed his staff to prepare an organized transition of power, his office said.

"The state of Israel comes before any political consideration," Lapid said. "I wish Netanyahu success, for the sake of the people of Israel and the state of Israel."