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White House exploring ways to keep Netanyahu in power under ‘unity government’

October 28, 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu may remain in power with US backing even if he loses the Israeli general election on 27 October, the Washington Post reported before the ballots opened.

In an article released by the US outlet on 26 October, sources are cited as saying that Netanyahu could “still lead a divided Israel” by forming a national unity government with Gadi Eisenkot’s Zionist Opposition camp.

It is a “polarizing prospect” that the US government is currently “contemplating” – given that the polls show that neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot are capable of achieving a majority and forming a government.

“Netanyahu’s camp is pushing the idea vigorously and has a sympathetic ear in [US] President Donald Trump,” sources told the Washington Post.

Netanyahu has “privately” told US and European officials that if he joins forces with Eisenkot in a future government, he could leave behind his coalition partners, including Itamar Ben Gvir.

Despite Eisenkot beating Netanyahu in the polls, Trump is secretly discussing with Israel the possibility of a unity government led by the current premier.

The opposition has bluntly rejected any such idea, even if it comes to a rotating prime minister government as was the case several years ago with the Yair Lapid–Naftali Bennet administration.

“Eisenkot has shown he lacks the backbone and the determination that Netanyahu has, and I think Trump understands that,” said a source from Netanyahu’s Likud party.

“What Trump wants is a stable and reliable Israeli government that can be formed as soon as possible after the election,” he added.

The report says Trump’s government remains divided on the idea. Throughout its entire history, Israel has had only three Alternate Prime Minister governments.

“Some US officials agree with Netanyahu’s pitch that he would be more moderate without the influence of Ben Gvir, but others are deeply distrustful of him, citing his track record of betraying allies to stay in power,” said an anonymous US official.

If Eisenkot refuses a partnership with the current prime minister, Netanyahu may attempt to take advantage of the deadlock, staying on as a caretaker premier before forcing another vote, the Washington Post wrote.

Netanyahu has been just behind Eisenkot in the polls. Both sides refuse to form a government with Palestinian-Israeli parties, making a majority difficult to achieve.

The prime minister has launched a campaign of incitement against Palestinians with Israeli citizenship during the ongoing elections, urging Likud voters to declare a state of emergency regarding unfounded claims of attempted voter fraud and vote-buying in Palestinian communities of the 1948 territories.

VIDEO | Netanyahu launched a campaign of incitement against Palestinians with Israeli citizenship during elections, urging Likud voters to declare a state of emergency over claims of attempted voter fraud and vote-buying in Palestinian communities in the 1948 territories. pic.twitter.com/ilzKZtrpnx

— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) October 27, 2026

As of noon on Tuesday, voter turnout following the opening of the ballots reached 31.5 percent. This is the highest voter turnout in Israel since 1973.

UPDATE | Voter turnout for Israeli elections today climbed to 31.5 percent by 12:00 PM local time (09:00 GMT), according to official updates released by the Central Elections Committee.

The mid-day participation rate represents the highest voter turnout recorded at this hour in… https://t.co/ZwCT3orrzp

— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) October 27, 2026

Netanyahu is still slightly lacking despite the public endorsement from Trump, who said in a post earlier this month that the prime minister is a “great warrior prime minister and an even greater partner for peace.”