Trump says Eisenkot and Netanyahu have similar views on his policies

US President Donald Trump stated that Israeli leaders Gadi Eisenkot and Benjamin Netanyahu hold similar views and would both support his policies, as Israeli President Isaac Herzog tasked Eisenkot with forming a government after the October 27 election.

US President Donald Trump weighed in on Israel's post-election political battle on Sunday, describing Gadi Eisenkot and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as having 'very similar views' and suggesting that either leader would strongly support his policies. Speaking to reporters, Trump was asked about Eisenkot being tasked with forming Israel's next government, following the October 27 election in which Netanyahu's governing bloc failed to secure a parliamentary majority. 'Well, you know they're both fighting for that. They're very similar in terms of their policy and their view,' Trump said. 'And I guess he said very nice things about me. He says he loves Trump, but I don't know. I haven't seen what's happening,' the president added, referring to Eisenkot. President Isaac Herzog formally tasked Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar party and a former IDF chief of staff, with forming Israel's next government. Eisenkot received recommendations from factions representing 67 Knesset members, compared with 46 who recommended Netanyahu. The former military chief now has 28 days to assemble a coalition, with a possible extension of 14 additional days. Trump also delivered an extensive defense of his military campaign against Iran, repeatedly insisting that the United States had already achieved victory and prevented Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He discussed the newly announced US effort to restrict Iranian supply routes by land, describing the campaign as a central element of his strategy to force Tehran into an agreement. Trump warned that he could order a much more destructive military campaign if negotiations failed, but emphasized that he would prefer to avoid inflicting such damage.