'We have been waiting for this for thousands of years,' says prominent Israeli rabbi.

Despite a fiery speech denouncing Bennett, and vowing to topple his government, outgoing prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was seen congratulating Bennett the new prime minister.

Election surveys published in the final days before Tuesday's vote predict a tight race between the two major blocs: those who support Netanyahu and those against him.

While Arab citizens of Israel have traditionally supported candidates from their own community, the tide appears to be shifting.