Israelis go to the polls

Another day of counting in Israel has not brought clarity on who will form the next government. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud-led bloc still has the most seats ahead of the opposition bloc led by the Yashar party's Gadi Eisenkot but neither seems willing to work with Arab parties.

Israel's next prime minister is yet to be decided as exit polls from the country's most contentious election in decades indicate a near neck-and-neck race between the leading blocs.

The polls have opened in Israel's election with Benjamim Netanyahu facing a strong challenge from former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot, whose Yashar party was polling slightly ahead of Netanyahu's Likud going into election day.

It's been an emotional day in parliament as it returned for the first time since the member for Indi, Helen Haines was struck by a car outside her Victorian electorate office last Monday.

The Energy Minister Chris Bowen has defended the Snowy Hydro 2.0 scheme after a review revealed a major budget blowout to 25 billion dollars, 12 times the original estimated cost.

ABC reporter Will Murray and another bystander have been involved in a dramatic rescue after a man drove into floodwaters north of Brisbane. The scene was captured on camera as the two saved the man's life seconds before his vehicle was submerged.

The husband of Helen Haines has spoken at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne where his wife remains in a critical condition. Phil Haines has confirmed that his wife has now had both legs amputated.

The family of a man in custody over yesterday's ramming attack on Helen Haines has released a statement saying they are devastated by what has happened to the Indi MP, whom they describe as a friend of more than 20 years.

A dispute has broken out between Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John and party leader David Shoebridge about whether the former is taking leave as allegations of inappropriate behaviour are investigated. In a lengthy post the WA Senator said he was not on leave, but David Shoebridge has released a statement this afternoon saying his understanding is that leave was agreed, and that he believes it's appropriate. 

The world leader of an evangelical church and his son have been called to answer questions about whether members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church intimidated candidates and paid neo-Nazis to heckle the Prime Minister.