Trump Allies Back Israeli Cabinet Without Ben-Gvir and Smotrich

American officials and business leaders are pushing for a new Israeli government that drops two right-wing ministers.

The proposed framework would exclude National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from the cabinet. Proponents argue this shift is necessary to advance President Donald Trump’s Middle East strategy. Bill Ackman, head of the hedge fund Pershing Square, publicly backed this idea on Sunday. He stated that a moderate coalition would help Israel restore its international standing and expand the Abraham Accords. Ackman, who supported Trump in the presidential election, said the presence of Ben-Gvir and Smotrich hurts Israel’s global image.

Sources indicate that other Washington figures share this view. They believe Trump’s plans for the final two years of his term depend on changing Israel’s political makeup. A historic normalization deal with Saudi Arabia is the primary goal. Riyadh has its own demands, including tangible progress on the Palestinian issue, so simply swapping ministers does not guarantee a deal. However, a cabinet without Ben-Gvir and Smotrich is seen as a clearer path for negotiations.

Tensions between the US and Israel are already high. Special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are reportedly frustrated by how quickly Netanyahu is moving on Trump’s 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 while expressing frustration over inaction regarding Jewish violence in Judea and Samaria. Some in Trump’s circle doubt a diplomatic breakthrough is possible while Benjamin Netanyahu remains prime minister.

This doubt has led to the proposal of a rotation deal. Under this plan, Netanyahu would serve as prime minister for the first year. Another leader would then take over to negotiate with the Saudis before Trump’s term ends. Supporters say this provides initial continuity while handing regional diplomacy to a leader not tied to Netanyahu’s current partners. Several Israeli and American sources say Netanyahu told Trump he wants a unity government and will work toward one after the upcoming election.

Israel’s Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, confirmed 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. In response, officials from the Otzma Yehudit party reacted sharply, fearing a coalition with Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot at their expense. Ben-Gvir urged Netanyahu to form a right-wing government instead. Eisenkot and former prime minister Naftali Bennett remain opposed to serving under Netanyahu, and American officials have not yet raised the framework with them.

Trump has not formally endorsed the initiative. He publicly backed Netanyahu on October 18, though several advisers had reservations. Vice President JD Vance did not join that endorsement. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee denied any American effort to push a unity government. He stated that the administration does not intervene in Israeli elections or dictate actions to the prime minister. 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 passage of the conscription bill before coalition talks begin.