Trump Surprised by Similar Worldviews of Eisenkot and Netanyahu
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Gadi Eisenkot and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu share similar political and strategic worldviews. Trump commented on Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog granting Eisenkot the mandate to form a government, noting Eisenkot's positive remarks about him. Despite not closely following Israeli politics, Trump believes close diplomatic coordination with Jerusalem will continue regardless of the government's makeup. Eisenkot has 28 days to form a government, starting from Sunday, November 26, 2026.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- President Trump believes Gadi Eisenkot and PM Netanyahu have very similar worldviews.
- Trump commented on Eisenkot receiving the mandate to form a government from President Herzog.
- Eisenkot has 28 days to form a government, with a deadline of December 6, 2026.
- Trump previously strongly endorsed Netanyahu during the election campaign.
- Eisenkot has reportedly made positive remarks about President Trump.
U.S. President Donald Trump commented on Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog's decision to grant Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rival, Gadi Eisenkot, the mandate to form a government. Trump expressed surprise, stating that the political and strategic gaps between Eisenkot and Netanyahu are smaller than commonly believed. Speaking to reporters before departing Florida, Trump noted that Eisenkot has also spoken favorably about him. "They are very similar in terms of their policy and worldview," Trump said, adding that both leaders strongly support his actions. However, Trump clarified that he is not closely following the intricacies of Israeli coalition negotiations, acknowledging the political competition between Netanyahu and Eisenkot. He emphasized that regardless of who forms the government, Washington expects continued close diplomatic coordination with Jerusalem, given their shared perspectives.
This statement comes after Trump's strong endorsement of Netanyahu during the recent election campaign, where he claimed his support caused a significant shift in the polls, potentially leading to a comeback for Netanyahu. Now, with Eisenkot holding the mandate, Trump's remarks suggest a continuity in U.S.-Israel relations regardless of the final government composition.
President Herzog officially handed the mandate to Eisenkot, chairman of the Yesh Party, on Sunday, following recommendations from 67 Knesset members. Eisenkot has 28 days to form a government, with a deadline of December 6, 2026, and a possible 14-day extension until December 20, 2026.
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