Polls open in Israeli election as PM Netanyahu seeks fourth term, rules out Palestinian state

An Ultra orthodox Jew lprepares to vote in Bnei Brak, Israel, Tuesday, March 17, 2015. Israelis are voting in early parliament elections following a campaign focused on economic issues such as the high cost of living, rather than fears of a nuclear Iran or the Israeli-Arab conflict. .(AP Photo/Oded Balilty) (The Associated Press)

Zionist Union leader Isaac Herzog accompanied by his wife Michal prepares to cast his vote in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, March 17, 2015. Israelis are voting in early parliament elections following a campaign focused on economic issues such as the high cost of living, rather than fears of a nuclear Iran or the Israeli-Arab conflict. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) (The Associated Press)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stands with his wife Sara after voting in Israel's parliamentary elections in Jerusalem, Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2015. Israelis are voting in early parliament elections following a campaign focused on economic issues such as the high cost of living, rather than fears of a nuclear Iran or the Israeli-Arab conflict. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner, Pool) (The Associated Press)

Israelis are voting in early parliament elections following a campaign focused on economic issues such as the high cost of living, rather than fears of a nuclear Iran or the Israeli-Arab conflict.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appealed to his hard-line base at the last minute, saying a Palestinian state would not be established if he is elected to a fourth term. His remarks could further sour ties with the United States.

Netanyahu's main challenger is Isaac Herzog of the center-left Zionist Union.

Voters are electing on Tuesday a 120-member parliament, casting ballots for a party list. It typically takes weeks of negotiations for a governing coalition to be formed.

Isaac Herzog's party has been polling slightly ahead of Netanyahu's Likud, but neither political camp has a clear majority.