Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to be heading to re-election on Wednesday local time, according to exit polls that show him edging out his primary competitor in the tight race, The Associated Press reported.

Both Netanyahu and Benny Gantz, a former military chief of the Blue and White party, had declared victory in speeches Tuesday evening in front of crowds of their supporters as polls closed and results showed a neck-and-neck finish.

But by early Wednesday morning, Netanyahu’s Likud Party appeared to be pulling far enough ahead to secure victory, according to the AP report.

If he does pull off the win, Netanyahu will secure his fourth consecutive term and fifth overall — becoming the nation’s longest-serving prime minister.

“It’s a night of tremendous victory. I was very moved that the nation of Israel once again entrusted me for the fifth time, and with an even greater trust,” Netanyahu said at his victory rally.

“I want to make it clear, it will be a right-wing government, but I intend to be the prime minister of all Israeli citizens, right or left, Jews and non-Jews alike,” he said.

With Wires