Trump allies discuss Israeli unity pact with Netanyahu and Eisenkot

American surrogates for President Donald Trump engaged Israeli leaders regarding a potential post-election unity cabinet that would unite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yishai party. The Washington Post reported on Monday that these discussions took place despite internal disagreements within the Trump administration about the viability of the arrangement.

A Likud official told the Washington Post that Eisenkot lacks the resolve displayed by Netanyahu. The official stated, "Eisenkot has shown he lacks the backbone and the determination that Netanyahu has, and I think Trump understands that." This assessment suggests that the White House values decisiveness over compromise in its preferred partner.

Trump seeks a stable and reliable Israeli government that can be formed immediately following the election, according to the same Likud source. Netanyahu reportedly told US officials that Eisenkot would serve as the best partner if hostilities resume between Israel and Iran. The Prime Minister also indicated he would push for a more moderate coalition if he forms a government with Eisenkot.

The proposal faces opposition from Itamar Ben-Gvir, chairman of Otzma Yehudit. Ben-Gvir accused Netanyahu and Likud of working to weaken his party ahead of the elections. He alleged that the Prime Minister's Office pledged to European countries that the next government would be a unity government excluding Ben-Gvir.

Ben-Gvir claimed that Likud is attempting to lower his party below the electoral threshold instead of securing votes from Eisenkot. He added that Netanyahu announced he would not be reappointed Minister of National Security, a move Ben-Gvir used to accuse Likud of trying to form a unity government without him.