Trump reportedly pressing Netanyahu to advance Gaza plan in wake of election

Donald Trump weighed in on Israel's political landscape following the October 27 election, in which Benjamin Netanyahu's governing bloc failed to secure a parliamentary majority. Speaking to reporters, Trump described Gadi Eisenkot and Netanyahu as having very similar views regarding policy, noting that both leaders are strong on his specific policies. Trump also claimed that Eisenkot has said nice things about him and "loves Trump."

The comments followed President Isaac Herzog formally tasking Eisenkot, the former IDF chief of staff and chairman of the Yashar party, with forming the next government. According to the Jerusalem Post, Eisenkot received recommendations from factions representing 67 Knesset members, while 46 recommended Netanyahu. Eisenkot now has 28 days to assemble a coalition, with a possible 14-day extension.

The Times of Israel reported that US officials want to see progress in Gaza regardless of who leads the Israeli government. Additionally, the IDF chief expressed concern that Hamas might exploit images of the rain-soaked Strip to push for reconstruction efforts.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Times of Israel, Jerusalem Post, Haaretz, Arutz Sheva - Israel National News — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.