Jerusalem/IBNS, Oct. 29 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is leading his rival in the country's election but remains short of a majority, with partial results pointing to a potentially hung parliament, media reports said.

Netanyahu's challenger, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, and his Yashar Party and allies are ahead in 48 seats, while Arab-led parties are leading in 19 seats, potentially emerging as kingmakers.

With no clear winner emerging, President Isaac Herzog will hold consultations with political factions before inviting the leader he believes has the best chance of forming a government.

The process could take weeks to complete, with final results still awaited.

If no party or alliance manages to form a governm...