US Push for Israeli Cabinet Without Ben-Gvir and Smotrich

A push from within Donald Trump's inner circle is calling for a new Israeli government that excludes two prominent coalition partners.

American officials and allied figures are advocating for a broad, moderate unity cabinet that would leave out National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. This proposed structure aims to align Israel's leadership with Washington's diplomatic goals in the Middle East.

Bill Ackman, a billionaire hedge fund manager and Trump supporter, voiced this view publicly on social media on Sunday. He argued that removing Ben-Gvir and Smotrich would improve Israel's global standing and expand the Abraham Accords. Ackman said their presence currently damages Israel's image and hinders its ability to reach key diplomatic agreements.

The primary driver behind this push is a potential normalization deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Several Washington figures believe this historic agreement is difficult to advance with Ben-Gvir and Smotrich in the cabinet. Riyadh has its own conditions, including tangible progress on the Palestinian issue, so changing the Israeli cabinet does not guarantee a final deal.

A more complex idea being floated is a rotation deal. Under this plan, Benjamin Netanyahu would serve as prime minister for the first year, followed by another leader. Supporters say this would allow the second leader to negotiate with the Saudis before Trump's term ends. This approach attempts to balance continuity with a shift in regional diplomacy away from Netanyahu's current partners.

Netanyahu has signaled support for a unity government. Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter stated that Netanyahu prefers this option over the current coalition. Leiter added that Netanyahu has indicated he will not serve as national security minister again, a move that conflicts with the wishes of Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party.

However, the political math is challenging. If Netanyahu's right-wing bloc wins 61 mandates, he would likely get the first chance to form a government. Yet, it remains doubtful that Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot or former prime minister Naftali Bennett would join a government under Netanyahu. Both have previously pledged to avoid serving under him.

Ultra-Orthodox parties are adding another layer of complexity by demanding the passage of the conscription bill before coalition talks begin. If the right-wing bloc fails to secure a majority, Netanyahu may not be given the first opportunity to form a government at all. This uncertainty complicates the efforts of US officials who want a stable partner for their regional plans.

Trump has not formally endorsed the unity government initiative. He publicly backed Netanyahu on October 18, though some advisers had reservations. Vice President JD Vance did not join that endorsement. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee denied that Washington is pushing for a specific government structure, stating the administration does not dictate actions to the Israeli prime minister.

Tensions already exist between Washington and Jerusalem over other issues. Special Envoy Tom Barrick disagrees with Israel's approach to Syria, and officials around Secretary of State Marco Rubio are frustrated by inaction on Jewish violence in Judea and Samaria. These diplomatic frictions underscore the urgency felt by Trump's circle to secure a cooperative government in Jerusalem.