Politics

Eisenkot responds to Trump's endorsement of Netanyahu ahead of Israeli vote

Gadi Eisenkot, Benjamin Netanyahu's main challenger in Israel's parliamentary elections set for October 27, responded on Sunday to a message of support from US President Donald Trump for the prime minister. Eisenkot said that choosing the country's leader is a matter for Israelis alone. According to CNN Arabic, the endorsement came about nine days before the vote and was the explicit backing Netanyahu had long sought.

سكاي نيوز عربيةSunday, October 18, 2026, 20:26Covered by 2 sources

Illustrative photo: Silhouetted hand dropping a ballot paper into a ballot box against a white background. Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

Why it matters

The public US endorsement places Washington's role at the center of the campaign just days before voting. The region will watch the outcome closely, as it will shape the policy direction of Israel's next government.

Background

Israel's legislative elections choose the members of the Knesset, the parliament from which the government is formed through a coalition that commands majority support. Benjamin Netanyahu is the current prime minister, and Gadi Eisenkot is described by Sky News Arabia as his main rival in this vote.

What’s next

According to Sky News Arabia, the legislative elections are scheduled for October 27.

How outlets covered it

Sky News Arabia focused on Eisenkot's response, quoting him as saying that "only Israelis can choose their leader" and describing him as Netanyahu's main rival. CNN Arabic focused on the endorsement itself and its timing, asking "why now?" in its headline and describing the backing as the explicit, strong support Netanyahu had long sought. The two outlets do not conflict on the basic facts; they differ in angle, with the first centered on the challenger's reply and the second on the significance and timing of the endorsement. The excerpts available from both are brief, which limits any broader comparison.