Washington figures promote Israeli cabinet excluding Ben-Gvir and Smotrich

A group of influential figures in Washington is urging the formation of a new Israeli unity government that would exclude National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. These voices, which include close aides to President Donald Trump and prominent business leaders, argue that the current coalition structure hinders Israel's ability to achieve key diplomatic goals. They believe a broader, more moderate cabinet would improve relations with both major US political parties and help restore Israel's international standing.

Bill Ackman, the hedge fund manager who supported Trump in the recent presidential election, publicly backed this shift on Sunday. In a social media post, Ackman stated that Ben-Gvir and Smotrich damage Israel's global image. He advocated for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to remain in office but with different coalition partners. Ackman specifically cited the need to expand the Abraham Accords and improve ties with the United States as reasons for the change.

The push comes as tensions grow between Washington and Jerusalem over the pace of diplomatic initiatives. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have expressed frustration with how quickly Netanyahu is moving on Trump's Gaza plan. Special Envoy Tom Barrick has disagreed with Israel's approach to Syria, while officials around Secretary of State Marco Rubio want to strengthen the Lebanese government. These diplomatic frictions have led some in Trump's circle to believe that a breakthrough is difficult while Netanyahu's current partners hold key portfolios.

A specific proposal circulating among supporters involves a rotation deal. Under this framework, Netanyahu would serve as prime minister for the first year, followed by another leader who would then negotiate with Saudi Arabia. Proponents argue this provides continuity while eventually handing regional diplomacy to a leader not tied to the current right-wing partners. This structure aims to facilitate a historic normalization deal with Riyadh, which would be harder to advance with Ben-Gvir and Smotrich in the cabinet.

Israel's Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, recently stated that Netanyahu prefers a national unity government to the current coalition. Leiter said Netanyahu has made clear he would not serve as national security minister again. However, reactions within Israel have been mixed. Gadi Eisenkot of the Yashar party and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett remain opposed to serving under Netanyahu. Otzma Yehudit officials reacted sharply to the possibility of a coalition with Eisenkot, while Ben-Gvir urged Netanyahu to form a right-wing government instead.

The political math remains complicated. If Netanyahu's bloc wins 61 mandates, he would likely get the first chance 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 opportunity at all. Trump publicly backed Netanyahu on October 18, though Vice President JD Vance did not join the endorsement. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee denied any formal American effort to push a unity government, stating the administration does not dictate actions to the prime minister.