Israeli opposition unites behind Eisenkot as Netanyahu says voters chose him for PM

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar party, has firmly stated that he will not join a government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, even if urged by US President Donald Trump, according to KAN. During a closed-door meeting, Eisenkot declared, "I will not sit in a government led by Netanyahu." While he may agree to meet Trump should he be invited, Eisenkot emphasized that he would oppose any US involvement in Israel's internal political matters.

He insisted, "If Trump calls me, I will respect the president and come, but I will insist that this is an internal Israeli matter and will avoid interference."

The Jerusalem Post reported that Trump's allies had conversed with Israeli officials following the election, discussing a potential unity government that could include Netanyahu and Eisenkot. A Likud official, cited by The Washington Post, stated, "What Trump wants is a stable and reliable Israeli government that can be formed as soon as possible after the election."

Additionally, Netanyahu reportedly told US officials that Eisenkot would serve as the best partner if hostilities with Iran escalated, suggesting a more moderate coalition if such a partnership were to occur.

Following the election, neither the Likud bloc nor the opposition parties had secured a majority in the 120-member Knesset. Netanyahu's bloc held 53 seats, while the opposition parties amassed 48. The Arab parties, which secured 19 seats, could potentially provide support to Eisenkot, giving him backing from 67 lawmakers. However, forming a government proved challenging due to disagreements regarding whether the opposition should lean on Arab parties and their backing.

Liberman had ruled out joining a government relying on the Arabs, as well as a unity government with Netanyahu. Keshet Neev and the Jerusalem Post staff contributed to this report.