Trump says Eisenkot and Netanyahu are ‘very similar in terms of their policy’

US President Donald Trump commented on Israel's post-election political situation on Sunday, stating that Gadi Eisenkot and Benjamin Netanyahu have "very similar views" regarding policy. According to the Jerusalem Post, Trump suggested that both leaders would strongly support his own policies and described the situation as a contest between the two men.

The comments follow President Isaac Herzog's decision to task Eisenkot, the chairman of the Yashar party and former IDF chief of staff, with forming Israel's next government. Following the October 27 election, Eisenkot received recommendations from factions representing 67 Knesset members, while 46 members recommended Netanyahu, the Jerusalem Post reported. Eisenkot has 28 days to assemble a coalition, with the possibility of a 14-day extension.

The Korea Times reports that Eisenkot intends to work toward forming a wide national emergency government as quickly as possible, though he described the process as "extraordinarily complex." He noted that Israel is in a state of emergency and facing a vulnerable moment for its democracy. President Herzog cited several challenges during this period, including negotiations with Lebanon, the need for peace in Gaza, and the threat of an attack from Iran.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Times of Israel, Jerusalem Post, The Korea Times — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.