United State President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that his endorsement of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had significantly boosted the premier’s chances in this week’s general election. 

Partial results released by Israel’s Central Elections Committee showed Netanyahu’s bloc leading the opposition after 50.1 percent of the votes had been counted. According to the figures, Netanyahu’s bloc was projected to secure 56 seats in the 120-member parliament, while the opposition bloc was expected to win 49 seats. 

Arab parties were projected to take the remaining 15 seats. However, the results remained provisional and are subject to change as vote counting continues. Several exit polls had indicated a closely contested race, with neither major bloc appearing likely to secure an outright majority. 

The election is seen as a crucial test for Netanyahu, whose political future could depend on his ability to secure sufficient parliamentary support to form a government.