Netanyahu Explores Unity Government as Eisenkot Urges Voter Turnout

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is privately promoting the formation of a national unity government with his primary rival, Gadi Eisenkot, following elections held on October 27, 2026. Netanyahu has suggested to American and European officials that a partnership with Eisenkot would create a more moderate coalition, allowing him to exclude far-right partners like Jewish Power leader Itamar Ben Gvir.

U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly receptive to the proposal in his pursuit of a stable Israeli government. However, the two candidates remain sharply divided. Netanyahu has characterized his rivals as a dangerous left-wing bloc, while Eisenkot has campaigned on the premise that Netanyahu is a threat to national security and must be held accountable for the October 7 massacre.

On election day, Gadi Eisenkot spoke in Herzliya, urging citizens to vote despite heat and disruptions to replace what he called the "worst government since the state was established." Recent polling indicates Eisenkot leads Netanyahu, though neither candidate currently holds the 61 seats necessary for a majority. If coalition negotiations fail, Netanyahu may remain as caretaker prime minister and seek another election.