It's official: former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is returning to power after his alliance of far right parties won this week's elections. 

The Times of Israel confirmed late in the day Thursday: "As the final thousands of votes were being tallied Thursday evening, Prime Minister Yair Lapid called opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu to concede the race and congratulate him on his election victory."

Bibi's conservative coalition is expected to take as many as 65 seats in the 120-member Knesset, a clear and sweeping victory.