Ackman and Trump Aides Seek Israeli Coalition Without Ben-Gvir, Smotrich

Israeli political dynamics are shifting as key figures in the White House circle advocate for a cabinet restructuring. The proposed framework centers on removing National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from the coalition. This move aims to create a broader, more moderate government that aligns with US diplomatic goals.

Bill Ackman, the hedge fund manager who backed Donald Trump in the recent presidential election, publicly supported the strategy on Sunday. In a social media post, Ackman argued that the current lineup of ministers harms Israel's international image. He stated that a moderate coalition would help expand the Abraham Accords and improve relations with both major US political parties. Ackman specifically cited the presence of Ben-Gvir and Smotrich as obstacles to achieving key diplomatic milestones.

The push for this shift is driven by the urgency of Trump's Middle East agenda. Other Washington officials believe that a historic normalization deal with Saudi Arabia is difficult to advance while these two ministers hold their portfolios. Riyadh has demanded tangible progress on the Palestinian issue as a condition for talks. While removing the ministers would not guarantee an agreement, it is viewed as a necessary step to facilitate negotiations within the remaining two years of the current US administration's term.

A rotation deal has emerged as a potential solution to the leadership question. Under this concept, Benjamin Netanyahu would serve as prime minister for the first year of the new government. A different leader would then take over to handle regional diplomacy, specifically regarding the Saudi relationship. Supporters of this plan argue it provides initial continuity while eventually handing diplomatic leverage to a figure less associated with the current right-wing partners.

Despite the momentum in Washington, the Israeli parties involved remain divided. Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot and former prime minister Naftali Bennett have opposed serving under Netanyahu. American officials have not yet presented the rotation framework to either leader. Meanwhile, Otzma Yehudit officials reacted sharply to the news, fearing a coalition that includes Eisenkot at their expense. Ben-Gvir responded by urging Netanyahu to form a right-wing government instead.

Tensions between the two governments have been rising over several policy areas. Special Envoy Tom Barrick disagrees with Israel's approach to Syria, while Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are reportedly frustrated by the speed of Netanyahu's implementation of Trump's Gaza plan. Additionally, officials surrounding Secretary of State Marco Rubio want to strengthen the Lebanese government and have expressed dissatisfaction with Israeli inaction regarding Jewish violence in Judea and Samaria.

Netanyahu has indicated he wants a unity government and plans to work toward one after the upcoming election. Israel's Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, stated publicly that the prime minister prefers a national unity government to his current coalition. Leiter also noted that Netanyahu has made clear he would not serve as national security minister again. This stance aligns with the Washington push, though Trump has not formally endorsed the specific initiative.

The political math remains complex. If Netanyahu's bloc wins 61 mandates, he would likely receive the first opportunity to form a government, but it is doubtful that Eisenkot or Bennett would join. Ultra-Orthodox parties are demanding the passage of the conscription bill before coalition talks begin. If the right-wing bloc falls short of a majority, Netanyahu may not be given the first chance to form a government at all. Trump publicly backed Netanyahu on October 18, although Vice President JD Vance did not join the endorsement.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee denied that the administration is actively pushing for a unity government. He stated that the US does not intervene in Israeli elections or dictate actions to the prime minister. However, the continued pressure from influential figures like Ackman suggests the effort will persist regardless of official denials.