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Photos of Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping during a three-day state visit

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Photos of Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping during a three-day state visit
News

News

Photos of Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping during a three-day state visit

2026-09-25 07:44 Last Updated At:09-28 16:26

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife at Joint Base Andrews Wednesday for a three-day visit expected to include a White House arrival ceremony, troop review, formal state dinner and National Archives tour.

This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.

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President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk with China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan in the Grand Foyer of the White House during a State Dinner, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk with China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan in the Grand Foyer of the White House during a State Dinner, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren arrive for a State Dinner with President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping at the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren arrive for a State Dinner with President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping at the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump wait to greet China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan at the North Portico of the White House for a State Dinner, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump wait to greet China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan at the North Portico of the White House for a State Dinner, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk with China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan in the Grand Foyer of the White House during a State Dinner, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk with China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan in the Grand Foyer of the White House during a State Dinner, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman signs items as he walks to the White House to attend a state dinner hosted for China's President Xi Jinping, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman signs items as he walks to the White House to attend a state dinner hosted for China's President Xi Jinping, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Jesse Watters, center, and his wife Emma DiGiovine walk to the White House to attend a state dinner hosted for China's President Xi Jinping, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Jesse Watters, center, and his wife Emma DiGiovine walk to the White House to attend a state dinner hosted for China's President Xi Jinping, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping walk in the Grand Foyer of the White House during a State Dinner, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping walk in the Grand Foyer of the White House during a State Dinner, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump watches as China's President Xi Jinping departs the West Wing of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

President Donald Trump watches as China's President Xi Jinping departs the West Wing of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

President Donald Trump, left, speaks with China's President Xi Jinping during a tour of the South Lawn of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, left, speaks with China's President Xi Jinping during a tour of the South Lawn of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, left, walks with China's President Xi Jinping during a tour of the South Lawn of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, left, walks with China's President Xi Jinping during a tour of the South Lawn of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

First lady of China Peng Liyuan, left, and first lady Melania Trump visit the Smithsonian's National Museum Of Asian Art, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (Finn Gomez/Pool Photo via AP)

First lady of China Peng Liyuan, left, and first lady Melania Trump visit the Smithsonian's National Museum Of Asian Art, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (Finn Gomez/Pool Photo via AP)

President Donald Trump, right, speaks with China's President Xi Jinping next to a presidential helicopter during a tour of the South Lawn of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, right, speaks with China's President Xi Jinping next to a presidential helicopter during a tour of the South Lawn of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Pro-China protestors demonstrate along Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., ahead of China's President Xi Jinping's arrival to the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)

Pro-China protestors demonstrate along Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., ahead of China's President Xi Jinping's arrival to the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)

President Donald Trump listens as China's President Xi Jinping speaks during an arrival ceremony in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump listens as China's President Xi Jinping speaks during an arrival ceremony in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping meet in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping meet in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump, center right, first lady Melania Trump, right, China's President Xi Jinping, center left, and his wife Peng Liyuan watch a military review in the Rose Garden of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, center right, first lady Melania Trump, right, China's President Xi Jinping, center left, and his wife Peng Liyuan watch a military review in the Rose Garden of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, center right, first lady Melania Trump, right, China's President Xi Jinping, center left, and his wife Peng Liyuan watch a military review in the Rose Garden of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, center right, first lady Melania Trump, right, China's President Xi Jinping, center left, and his wife Peng Liyuan watch a military review in the Rose Garden of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

As seen in reflection on the floor, President Donald Trump speaks as first lady Melania Trump, China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan listen, during an arrival ceremony in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

As seen in reflection on the floor, President Donald Trump speaks as first lady Melania Trump, China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan listen, during an arrival ceremony in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping walk along the Colonnade of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping walk along the Colonnade of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping meet in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping meet in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump shakes hands with China's President Xi Jinping during an arrival ceremony in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump shakes hands with China's President Xi Jinping during an arrival ceremony in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, participate in an arrival ceremony in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, participate in an arrival ceremony in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ivanka Trump, second lady Usha Vance and Vice President JD Vance arrive before President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, attend an arrival ceremony in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ivanka Trump, second lady Usha Vance and Vice President JD Vance arrive before President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, attend an arrival ceremony in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump, center right, and first lady Melania Trump, right, depart with China's President Xi Jinping, center left, and his wife Peng Liyuan, after a greeting on the South Portico of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, center right, and first lady Melania Trump, right, depart with China's President Xi Jinping, center left, and his wife Peng Liyuan, after a greeting on the South Portico of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrive before President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, attend an arrival ceremony in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrive before President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, attend an arrival ceremony in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Pro-China protestors demonstrate along Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., ahead of China's President Xi Jinping's arrival to the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)

Pro-China protestors demonstrate along Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., ahead of China's President Xi Jinping's arrival to the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)

Peng Liyuan arrives with her husband China's President Xi Jinping, not pictured, before being greeted by President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump on the South Portico of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Peng Liyuan arrives with her husband China's President Xi Jinping, not pictured, before being greeted by President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump on the South Portico of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, center right, and first lady Melania Trump, right, depart with China's President Xi Jinping, center left, and his wife Peng Liyuan, after a greeting on the South Portico of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, center right, and first lady Melania Trump, right, depart with China's President Xi Jinping, center left, and his wife Peng Liyuan, after a greeting on the South Portico of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, center right, and first lady Melania Trump, right, greet China's President Xi Jinping, center left, and his wife Peng Liyuan on the South Portico of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, center right, and first lady Melania Trump, right, greet China's President Xi Jinping, center left, and his wife Peng Liyuan on the South Portico of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he arrives at the White House on Marine One, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, in Washington, after greeting China's President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he arrives at the White House on Marine One, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, in Washington, after greeting China's President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping talk together at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping talk together at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, are driven away after arriving at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, are driven away after arriving at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Flags are marched in as an Air China airplane with Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan aboard, arrives at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Flags are marched in as an Air China airplane with Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan aboard, arrives at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Peng Liyuan receives flowers as she arrives with her husband, China's President Xi Jinping, at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Peng Liyuan receives flowers as she arrives with her husband, China's President Xi Jinping, at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

A red carpet is inspected after being rolled out as an Air China airplane with Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan aboard, arrives at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

A red carpet is inspected after being rolled out as an Air China airplane with Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan aboard, arrives at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump wave to China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan before they depart after an arrival ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump wave to China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan before they depart after an arrival ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping walk together at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping walk together at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping participate in an arrival ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping participate in an arrival ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump salutes during a military flyover during an arrival ceremony with China's President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump salutes during a military flyover during an arrival ceremony with China's President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan greet first lady Melania Trump at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan greet first lady Melania Trump at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump greet China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump greet China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan participate in an arrival ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan participate in an arrival ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive to greet China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive to greet China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan wave as they arrive at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, to be greeted by President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan wave as they arrive at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, to be greeted by President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Flags are marched in as an Air China airplane with Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan aboard, arrives at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Flags are marched in as an Air China airplane with Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan aboard, arrives at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk with China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk with China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk with China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan in the Grand Foyer of the White House during a State Dinner, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk with China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan in the Grand Foyer of the White House during a State Dinner, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren arrive for a State Dinner with President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping at the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren arrive for a State Dinner with President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping at the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump wait to greet China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan at the North Portico of the White House for a State Dinner, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump wait to greet China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan at the North Portico of the White House for a State Dinner, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk with China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan in the Grand Foyer of the White House during a State Dinner, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk with China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan in the Grand Foyer of the White House during a State Dinner, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman signs items as he walks to the White House to attend a state dinner hosted for China's President Xi Jinping, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman signs items as he walks to the White House to attend a state dinner hosted for China's President Xi Jinping, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Jesse Watters, center, and his wife Emma DiGiovine walk to the White House to attend a state dinner hosted for China's President Xi Jinping, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Jesse Watters, center, and his wife Emma DiGiovine walk to the White House to attend a state dinner hosted for China's President Xi Jinping, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping walk in the Grand Foyer of the White House during a State Dinner, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping walk in the Grand Foyer of the White House during a State Dinner, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump watches as China's President Xi Jinping departs the West Wing of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

President Donald Trump watches as China's President Xi Jinping departs the West Wing of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

President Donald Trump, left, speaks with China's President Xi Jinping during a tour of the South Lawn of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, left, speaks with China's President Xi Jinping during a tour of the South Lawn of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, left, walks with China's President Xi Jinping during a tour of the South Lawn of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, left, walks with China's President Xi Jinping during a tour of the South Lawn of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

First lady of China Peng Liyuan, left, and first lady Melania Trump visit the Smithsonian's National Museum Of Asian Art, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (Finn Gomez/Pool Photo via AP)

First lady of China Peng Liyuan, left, and first lady Melania Trump visit the Smithsonian's National Museum Of Asian Art, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (Finn Gomez/Pool Photo via AP)

President Donald Trump, right, speaks with China's President Xi Jinping next to a presidential helicopter during a tour of the South Lawn of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, right, speaks with China's President Xi Jinping next to a presidential helicopter during a tour of the South Lawn of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Pro-China protestors demonstrate along Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., ahead of China's President Xi Jinping's arrival to the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)

Pro-China protestors demonstrate along Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., ahead of China's President Xi Jinping's arrival to the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)

President Donald Trump listens as China's President Xi Jinping speaks during an arrival ceremony in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump listens as China's President Xi Jinping speaks during an arrival ceremony in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping meet in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping meet in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump, center right, first lady Melania Trump, right, China's President Xi Jinping, center left, and his wife Peng Liyuan watch a military review in the Rose Garden of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, center right, first lady Melania Trump, right, China's President Xi Jinping, center left, and his wife Peng Liyuan watch a military review in the Rose Garden of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, center right, first lady Melania Trump, right, China's President Xi Jinping, center left, and his wife Peng Liyuan watch a military review in the Rose Garden of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, center right, first lady Melania Trump, right, China's President Xi Jinping, center left, and his wife Peng Liyuan watch a military review in the Rose Garden of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

As seen in reflection on the floor, President Donald Trump speaks as first lady Melania Trump, China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan listen, during an arrival ceremony in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

As seen in reflection on the floor, President Donald Trump speaks as first lady Melania Trump, China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan listen, during an arrival ceremony in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping walk along the Colonnade of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping walk along the Colonnade of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping meet in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping meet in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump shakes hands with China's President Xi Jinping during an arrival ceremony in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump shakes hands with China's President Xi Jinping during an arrival ceremony in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, participate in an arrival ceremony in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, participate in an arrival ceremony in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ivanka Trump, second lady Usha Vance and Vice President JD Vance arrive before President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, attend an arrival ceremony in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ivanka Trump, second lady Usha Vance and Vice President JD Vance arrive before President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, attend an arrival ceremony in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

President Donald Trump, center right, and first lady Melania Trump, right, depart with China's President Xi Jinping, center left, and his wife Peng Liyuan, after a greeting on the South Portico of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, center right, and first lady Melania Trump, right, depart with China's President Xi Jinping, center left, and his wife Peng Liyuan, after a greeting on the South Portico of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrive before President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, attend an arrival ceremony in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrive before President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, attend an arrival ceremony in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Pro-China protestors demonstrate along Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., ahead of China's President Xi Jinping's arrival to the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)

Pro-China protestors demonstrate along Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., ahead of China's President Xi Jinping's arrival to the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert)

Peng Liyuan arrives with her husband China's President Xi Jinping, not pictured, before being greeted by President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump on the South Portico of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Peng Liyuan arrives with her husband China's President Xi Jinping, not pictured, before being greeted by President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump on the South Portico of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, center right, and first lady Melania Trump, right, depart with China's President Xi Jinping, center left, and his wife Peng Liyuan, after a greeting on the South Portico of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, center right, and first lady Melania Trump, right, depart with China's President Xi Jinping, center left, and his wife Peng Liyuan, after a greeting on the South Portico of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, center right, and first lady Melania Trump, right, greet China's President Xi Jinping, center left, and his wife Peng Liyuan on the South Portico of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, center right, and first lady Melania Trump, right, greet China's President Xi Jinping, center left, and his wife Peng Liyuan on the South Portico of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he arrives at the White House on Marine One, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, in Washington, after greeting China's President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he arrives at the White House on Marine One, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, in Washington, after greeting China's President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping talk together at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping talk together at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, are driven away after arriving at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, are driven away after arriving at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Flags are marched in as an Air China airplane with Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan aboard, arrives at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Flags are marched in as an Air China airplane with Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan aboard, arrives at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Peng Liyuan receives flowers as she arrives with her husband, China's President Xi Jinping, at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Peng Liyuan receives flowers as she arrives with her husband, China's President Xi Jinping, at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

A red carpet is inspected after being rolled out as an Air China airplane with Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan aboard, arrives at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

A red carpet is inspected after being rolled out as an Air China airplane with Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan aboard, arrives at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump wave to China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan before they depart after an arrival ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump wave to China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan before they depart after an arrival ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping walk together at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping walk together at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping participate in an arrival ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping participate in an arrival ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump salutes during a military flyover during an arrival ceremony with China's President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump salutes during a military flyover during an arrival ceremony with China's President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan greet first lady Melania Trump at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan greet first lady Melania Trump at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump greet China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump greet China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan participate in an arrival ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan participate in an arrival ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive to greet China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive to greet China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan wave as they arrive at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, to be greeted by President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan wave as they arrive at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, to be greeted by President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Flags are marched in as an Air China airplane with Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan aboard, arrives at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Flags are marched in as an Air China airplane with Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan aboard, arrives at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk with China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk with China's President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli President Isaac Herzog formally gave opposition politician Gadi Eisenkot the first chance to form the next government Sunday evening.

Complex coalition negotiations still lie ahead, but it marked a significant step in the former military chief's effort to oust Israel's longest-serving prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, after elections held in a deeply divided country. Israel remains scarred by the Hamas-led attacks of Oct. 7, 2023, and the multifront wars they triggered.

“I hope with all my heart that whatever government is formed will lead to unity, connection and healing among all segments of our people — for our very existence depends on it, and we have only one country,” Herzog said at the ceremony at the presidential residence in Jerusalem.

The announcement doesn't guarantee that Eisenkot, a former army chief, will become the next prime minister. He has up to six weeks to form a coalition government by securing alliances, a daunting challenge because the Oct. 27 election gave neither his bloc nor Netanyahu’s a clear majority in parliament.

Herzog said that in consultations with the parties, a majority of members of parliament, known as the Knesset, supported giving Eisenkot this task.

At Sunday's ceremony, Eisenkot promised to give the country leadership that people can trust, that will act in the interests of the public and that represents all parts of society.

“An absolute majority of Knesset members representing the Israeli public support change,” he said. “I intend to navigate the situation with patience, humility, composure and a deep commitment to a Jewish, equal, liberal, and secure Israel.”

Among the possible kingmakers — and most politically fraught potential allies — are the Arab-led parties. They made historic gains in the election thanks to high voter turnout among Israel's Arab citizens.

Only one Arab party, Ra’am, has ever joined a governing coalition, in 2021. Ra’am has said it will support Eisenkot, but the party does not have enough seats on its own to give Eisenkot a parliamentary majority.

Breaking with decades of precedent, the second Arab-led party, the Joint List, has offered to support Eisenkot from outside the coalition to end Netanyahu’s grip on power.

But that cooperation is fraught for both sides. For the Joint List, it would mean backing a government unlikely to end Israel’s wars or curb settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank. For Eisenkot and other opposition parties, it would mean aligning with parties that not only criticize Israel’s policies but reject its identity as a Jewish state.

One of Eisenkot’s partners, the more conservative Yisrael Beytenu party, already has said it will not join a coalition with Arab-led parties.

Eisenkot has laid out four conditions for parties that want to join him. They must recognize Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, accept its declaration of independence, support military, national or civil service for all citizens, and declare the Hamas militant group a terrorist group. It remains unclear whether his would-be Arab partners are ready to accept these conditions.

Furthermore, Netanyahu has repeatedly asserted unsubstantiated claims that the election was “stolen” by Arab parties. In a pressure tactic on Eisenkot, he says any alliance with these parties would be an act of betrayal.

Israel’s Shin Bet security agency has launched an investigation into possible foreign interference in the vote, but the country’s Central Elections Committee — and Herzog — say the vote was valid and even if wrongdoing is found, it did not have a significant impact on the electoral results.

Eisenkot has vowed to form a government as quickly as possible. But each likely scenario appears to entail compromises or broken promises.

Aside from seeking the support of the Arab-led parties, Eisenkot has two options: a power-sharing agreement with Netanyahu or an agreement with the ultra-Orthodox parties, which demand military exemptions for their community.

Eisenkot and his partners made equal military service a central part of their campaign. Specifically, they are seeking an end to the long-standing draft exemptions.

The religious parties, which were part of Netanyahu’s outgoing coalition, want to preserve them, calling them essential to their devout lifestyle. But the exemptions have grown especially controversial among the broader public during the past three years of war.

Anticipating its position as a swing vote, the ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism has left the door open to cooperating with Eisenkot.

Eisenkot has 28 days to form a coalition, with a possible two-week extension from the president. If he is unable to form a government, Netanyahu could then be given a chance to put together a coalition. If Netanyahu is also unable to do so, the country would return to elections early next spring.

Israel’s new members of Knesset will be sworn in on Tuesday evening. Netanyahu and his cabinet will remain in office in a caretaker capacity, with limited powers, until a coalition is formed.

Despite tenuous ceasefires, Israel's military remains engaged in fighting Hamas militants in Gaza and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon — and the war the country launched jointly with the United States against Iran remains unresolved as well.

Both Eisenkot and Herzog mentioned these challenges on Sunday, as well as what Herzog called “the new political situation in the United States," where the midterm elections suggested weakening support for Israel on both sides of the aisle.

He called on Eisenkot to use his military leadership skills — as well as his experience of loss, since Eisenkot lost a son in combat in Gaza — to unite the country.

“You have commanded soldiers from every part of the Israeli people and Israeli society. Your face bears the scars of bullets from decades of command and combat,” Herzog said. “In the coming days, Gadi, as you and your counterparts enter the negotiating rooms, I ask that you remember that the eyes of the entire nation, with all its pain, hopes, prayers, and fears, are upon you.”

Lidman reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press journalist Josef Federman contributed from Jerusalem.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog, right, tasks Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar ("Straight") Party, with forming a government at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Israeli President Isaac Herzog, right, tasks Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar ("Straight") Party, with forming a government at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Israeli President Isaac Herzog, right, tasks Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar ("Straight") Party, with forming a government at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Israeli President Isaac Herzog, right, tasks Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar ("Straight") Party, with forming a government at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Israeli President Isaac Herzog, right, tasks Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar ("Straight") Party, with forming a government at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Israeli President Isaac Herzog, right, tasks Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar ("Straight") Party, with forming a government at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Israeli President Isaac Herzog, right, tasks Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar ("Straight") Party, with forming a government at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Israeli President Isaac Herzog, right, tasks Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar ("Straight") Party, with forming a government at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Israeli President Isaac Herzog, right, tasks Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar ("Straight") Party, with forming a government at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Israeli President Isaac Herzog, right, tasks Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar ("Straight") Party, with forming a government at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

FILE - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, casts his ballot in his Likud party primary elections ahead of Israel's general election in October, in Jerusalem, Monday, Aug. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg, file)

FILE - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, casts his ballot in his Likud party primary elections ahead of Israel's general election in October, in Jerusalem, Monday, Aug. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg, file)

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar ("Straight") party, waves to supporters following the release of the first exit poll results in Israel's general election in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Baz Ratner)

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar ("Straight") party, waves to supporters following the release of the first exit poll results in Israel's general election in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Baz Ratner)

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