Trump administration allies have privately explored a power-sharing arrangement that would keep Benjamin Netanyahu as prime minister of Israel even if he loses the parliamentary election on Tuesday, per reports from the Washington Post. Netanyahu has offered to drop his far-right coalition partners to facilitate a unity government with his chief challenger, Gadi Eisenkot, while arguing to U.S. officials that he is Washington’s most effective partner for military operations against Iran. Eisenkot has publicly rejected any such deal, and the Trump administration is reportedly divided over whether to support the move.
The election has centered on opposing strategies for Iran, with Netanyahu pushing for regime change while Eisenkot, a former military chief and leader of the Yashar party, advocates for destroying Iran’s nuclear and missile programs instead. Seat projections show Eisenkot leading with 54 seats to Netanyahu’s 48, though 61 seats are required for a majority. If a unity government is not formed, Netanyahu could remain caretaker prime minister until another vote is held.