Trump surrogates discuss Netanyahu-Eisenkot unity government with Israeli officials - report

Surrogates for US President Donald Trump spoke with Israeli officials about the possibility of a unity government including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar party, The Washington Post reported. A Likud official criticized Eisenkot, while Trump administration officials are divided on the issue. Netanyahu reportedly believes Eisenkot would be the best partner if hostilities with Iran resume.

Surrogates for US President Donald Trump spoke with Israeli officials about the possibility of a unity government that includes both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar party, The Washington Post reported on Monday. The report cited a Likud official who criticized Eisenkot, saying he lacks the backbone and determination that Netanyahu has. The official added that Trump wants a stable and reliable Israeli government formed as soon as possible after the election. According to the report, officials within the Trump administration are divided on the issue. Sources told The Washington Post that Netanyahu told US officials he believes Eisenkot would be the best partner if hostilities resume between Israel and Iran. Netanyahu also told US and European officials he would push for a more moderate coalition if he partnered with Eisenkot. Otzma Yehudit chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir attacked Netanyahu and Likud, claiming the party is working to weaken Otzma Yehudit ahead of the elections. Ben-Gvir alleged that the Prime Minister's Office has pledged to European countries that the next government will be a unity government without him.