Trump Aides Push for Israeli Cabinet That Drops Two Ministers

Voices close to President Donald Trump are urging the creation of a broad, moderate Israeli government that excludes National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The push aims to reshape the coalition ahead of Israel's upcoming election to facilitate major diplomatic moves. A key component of this strategy involves a potential rotation deal where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu serves first, followed by another leader to negotiate with Saudi Arabia before Trump's term ends.

Bill Ackman, the billionaire investor who backed Trump in the presidential election, publicly advocated for this shift on Sunday. In a social media post, Ackman argued that removing Ben-Gvir and Smotrich would help Israel restore its international standing. He stated that the current ministers damage Israel's global image and hinder its ability to expand the Abraham Accords and improve ties with both US political parties. Ackman praised Netanyahu and his relationship with Trump, expressing a desire for the prime minister to remain in office with different coalition partners.

Several sources indicate that other Washington figures share this view. They believe Trump's Middle East plans depend on a change in Israel's government composition. The primary goal is a historic normalization deal with Saudi Arabia, which officials say is difficult to advance with the current cabinet. Riyadh has its own demands, including tangible progress on the Palestinian issue, meaning a cabinet change alone does not guarantee an agreement.

Tensions already exist between Washington and Jerusalem over current policies. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are reportedly frustrated by Netanyahu's pace on the Gaza plan. Special Envoy Tom Barrick disagrees with Israel's approach to Syria. Officials around Secretary of State Marco Rubio want to strengthen the Lebanese government and are frustrated by inaction on Jewish violence in Judea and Samaria. Some in Trump's circle doubt a diplomatic breakthrough is possible while Netanyahu remains the prime minister.

Netanyahu has indicated support for a unity government. He told Trump he wants such a coalition and will work toward one after the election. Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter confirmed that Netanyahu prefers a national unity government and has stated he would not serve as national security minister again. However, Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot and former prime minister Naftali Bennett remain opposed to serving under Netanyahu. American officials have not yet raised the rotation framework with them.

Otzma Yehudit officials reacted sharply to the reports, fearing a coalition with Eisenkot at their expense. Ben-Gvir urged Netanyahu to form a right-wing government instead. Trump has not formally endorsed the initiative. He publicly backed Netanyahu on October 18, though Vice President JD Vance did not join the endorsement. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee denied any American effort to push a unity government, stating the administration does not intervene in Israeli elections.

The political arithmetic remains difficult. If Netanyahu's bloc wins 61 mandates, he would likely get the first chance to form a government. However, it is doubtful that Eisenkot or Bennett would join. Ultra-Orthodox parties are demanding 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 to form a government at all.

Netanyahu’s natural partners would press him on earlier commitments if he forms a government. Few in the right-wing bloc expect Eisenkot or Bennett to agree to a partnership they have pledged to avoid. The next step involves internal Israeli negotiations as the election approaches.