Washington Strategy: Trump Aides Seek Israeli Cabinet Without Ben-Gvir and Smotrich

Voices close to President Donald Trump are advocating for a structural shift in Israel’s government, specifically one that removes National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from the cabinet. The proposal centers on forming a broad, moderate unity government designed to facilitate regional diplomacy. This internal push suggests that the current coalition configuration is viewed as an obstacle to the administration’s Middle East objectives.

The idea gained public traction on Sunday when Bill Ackman, the hedge fund manager and Trump ally, posted on social media urging the creation of such a coalition. Ackman argued that the presence of Ben-Gvir and Smotrich harms Israel’s international standing and hinders the expansion of the Abraham Accords. He emphasized that a moderate government would improve relations with both major US political parties and restore Israel’s global image.

Sources indicate that other Washington figures share this view, believing that Trump’s remaining two years in office require a different Israeli cabinet to succeed. The primary goal is a historic normalization deal with Saudi Arabia, which diplomats consider difficult to secure while the two ministers remain in power. Riyadh has also demanded tangible progress on the Palestinian issue, adding a layer of complexity to the diplomatic calculus.

This diplomatic push coincides with existing tensions between the two capitals. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are reportedly frustrated by the speed at which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is implementing the Gaza plan. Additionally, Special Envoy Tom Barrick disagrees with Israel’s approach to Syria, while officials near Secretary of State Marco Rubio are pressing for a stronger Lebanese government and greater action regarding violence in Judea and Samaria.

Given these friction points, some in Trump’s circle doubt a breakthrough is possible with Netanyahu at the helm. They have floated a rotation deal in which Netanyahu serves as prime minister for the first year, followed by a different leader who would take over to negotiate with Saudi Arabia before the end of Trump’s term. Proponents argue this structure provides initial continuity while eventually handing regional diplomacy to a leader less tied to the current right-wing partners.

Netanyahu has signaled his own preference for a change. According to Israeli and American sources, he told Trump he wants a unity government and intends to work toward one after the election. Ambassador Yechiel Leiter stated publicly that Netanyahu prefers a national unity government to the current coalition and has made clear he would not serve as national security minister again.

The reaction within Israel has been mixed. Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar party, and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett remain opposed to serving under Netanyahu. American officials have not yet raised the framework with them. Within the current coalition, Otzma Yehudit officials reacted sharply to the news, fearing a coalition with Eisenkot at their expense. Ben-Gvir countered by urging 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 for a unity government, stating that the administration does not intervene in Israeli elections or dictate actions to the prime minister.

The path forward depends on the election results. If Netanyahu’s bloc secures 61 mandates, he would likely receive 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, and even within his own camp, few expect Eisenkot or Bennett to agree to a partnership they have pledged to avoid.

Netanyahu’s stated goal of a unity government now faces immediate political tests, including the conscription bill and the willingness of moderate leaders to join a cabinet led by the current prime minister.