Eisenkot reportedly says he would take Trump’s call but still refuse to serve under Netanyahu

Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has told associates that even a personal request from U.S. President Donald Trump would not persuade him to serve in a government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to Israel’s Kan public broadcaster.

“If Trump calls me, I will respect the president and come,” Eisenkot was quoted as saying in closed conversations. He reportedly added that he would make clear the issue was an “internal Israeli” matter and seek to prevent outside intervention.

Eisenkot has not publicly confirmed the private remarks, but they are consistent with his stated position before last week’s election. On October 21, he said unequivocally that he would not serve under Netanyahu even under a rotation agreement.

Trump endorsed Netanyahu ahead of the October 27 election and later told Axios he would “take a look” when asked whether he might help facilitate a unity government.

The question has gained importance after the election produced another deadlock: Netanyahu’s bloc won 53 seats, Eisenkot’s Jewish-led opposition bloc 48 and the Arab-led parties 19, with 61 needed for a majority.

President Isaac Herzog is due to begin consultations with parliamentary parties on Wednesday before deciding who will receive the first mandate to try to form a government.