Trump Camp Weighs Netanyahu-Eisenkot Coalition Before Vote
US surrogates discussed an Israeli unity pact with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while Itamar Ben-Gvir alleges his party is being sidelined.
By Rosa Wojcik ·
Two Israeli leaders, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot, are at the center of a potential unity government proposal currently under discussion by surrogates for US President Donald Trump. The Washington Post reported on Monday that these US representatives have been in communication with Israeli officials regarding the formation of a joint cabinet.
A Likud official characterized Eisenkot as lacking the determination found in the Prime Minister. The official stated that Trump seeks a stable and reliable Israeli government that can be established as soon as possible after the election.
Netanyahu has told US and European officials that Eisenkot would be the optimal partner should hostilities resume between Israel and Iran. The Prime Minister indicated he would push for a more moderate coalition if he forms a government with the Yishai party chairman.
Despite the talks, officials within the Trump administration remain divided on the merits of a unity government. The discussions come as internal Israeli politics intensify ahead of the upcoming ballot.
Itamar Ben-Gvir, chairman of Otzma Yehudit, launched an attack on Netanyahu and Likud on Monday. Ben-Gvir alleged that the Prime Minister's Office promised European nations that the next government would be a unity coalition that excludes him. He claimed Likud is working to weaken Otzma Yehudit by attempting to lower his party below the electoral threshold.
Ben-Gvir further accused Likud of trying to form a government without his participation. He noted that Netanyahu announced he would not be reappointed as Minister of National Security, a move Ben-Gvir tied to the broader strategy of excluding Otzma Yehudit from the final lineup.
