Arab countries preparing for possibility of Eisenkot becoming PM, in talks with his people

Arab governments are preparing for the possibility that former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot could become Israel’s next prime minister after the October 27 election. Senior officials from several Arab countries have discussed Eisenkot’s political strategy and positions with people close to him, according to two sources familiar with the talks.

The contacts reflect close Arab attention to Israel’s political landscape and the possibility that the election could produce a new governing coalition. Officials are seeking a clearer understanding of Eisenkot, particularly on issues involving Israel’s relationships with the Arab world.

Arab governments are also in contact with other potential Israeli leaders, including Together party chairman Naftali Bennett and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid. Those relationships, however, began before their current political roles.

Bennett developed ties with several Arab leaders while serving as prime minister. Lapid built relationships with Arab governments as foreign minister and later as prime minister. The United Arab Emirates has been especially open about its connections with both men, publicly sharing photographs from their visits, including trips made after Benjamin Netanyahu formed his current government.

A person familiar with the discussions described the broader Arab approach in simple terms: “The countries are in contact with anyone who could potentially become prime minister.”

“

The countries are in contact with anyone who could potentially become prime minister.