Political tensions are intensifying ahead of Israel’s upcoming election, centered largely on the potential for alliances and the recent intervention of former U.S. President Donald Trump in the Israeli political arena. Trump publicly endorsed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging Israelis to vote for him and describing Netanyahu as a “great warrior prime minister” and a key partner in combating Iran. The endorsement, made on social media on October 18 and reiterated days later, marks an unusual level of U.S. presidential involvement in an Israeli election.
Netanyahu, who faces ongoing corruption charges, has also received public calls from Trump to be pardoned by Israeli President Isaac Herzog. These developments come as polls indicate that Benny Gantz Eisenkot, a former military chief, is leading Netanyahu in voter support. Despite trailing in the polls, Netanyahu has privately assured U.S. and European officials that if he forms a coalition with Eisenkot, he could distance himself from far-right partners like Itamar Ben Gvir of the Jewish Power party and move toward a more moderate government.
Netanyahu has argued to U.S. officials that he is the best Israeli counterpart to help renew U.S.-Israel efforts against Iran. Despite these overtures, the Trump administration remains divided on a possible unity government between Netanyahu and Eisenkot. Some officials view Netanyahu’s promise to moderate his coalition positively, while others remain deeply skeptical of his reliability, citing his history of shifting alliances to maintain power.
Eisenkot, meanwhile, has vehemently denied the prospect of sharing power with Netanyahu, stating on Israel’s 103FM radio that he would resign immediately if compelled to serve under the incumbent prime minister in any rotation agreement. More recently, Eisenkot tempered his remarks, saying the Israeli electorate would ultimately decide the election’s outcome. Analysts widely doubt that a partnership between the two is even feasible, given mutual distrust and Eisenkot’s firm stance against Netanyahu’s continued leadership, who has dominated Israeli politics for nearly two decades.
The dynamics of coalition-building remain complex as some of Eisenkot’s potential partners, including nationalist figures like Avigdor Liberman, have ruled out alliances with Arab parties that represent a significant portion of the Israeli population. Eisenkot’s approach to coalition talks is expected to be cautious, reflecting the broader skepticism around Netanyahu’s political maneuvers.
The political landscape within Netanyahu’s current far-right coalition is also fraught. National security minister Itamar Ben Gvir recently accused Netanyahu of planning to oust him after the election in favor of including Eisenkot and forming a more centrist government, a move Ben Gvir opposes vehemently. He has called on Netanyahu to maintain a fully right-wing government to “save the State of Israel.”
Following Tuesday’s vote, the question remains whether Eisenkot will attempt to form a government by aligning with Netanyahu or seek other coalitions. Pollsters suggest Netanyahu could linger as caretaker prime minister if political deadlock ensues, potentially forcing another election. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee confirmed that Trump’s endorsement was a unilateral decision and emphasized that diplomatic staff would work with any duly elected government, maintaining a nonpartisan stance. The election outcome will shape not only Israel’s domestic future but also its strategic partnerships in the region.