Trump allies press for Israeli cabinet without Ben-Gvir, Smotrich

American advisors to President Donald Trump are advocating for a moderate Israeli unity government that excludes National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. They propose a rotation arrangement where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu serves for the first year before handing power to another leader.

The push follows a public call by billionaire Bill Ackman on Sunday. Ackman, who heads Pershing Square and supported Trump in the election, argued that the current cabinet damages Israel's global image. He stated that a broad coalition would help restore international standing and expand the Abraham Accords.

Washington officials view a change in government as a prerequisite for a historic normalization deal with Saudi Arabia. They believe the presence of Ben-Gvir and Smotrich complicates these diplomatic efforts. Riyadh has demanded tangible progress on the Palestinian issue, creating additional hurdles for any agreement.

Tensions between the two capitals have grown over the past few months. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are reportedly frustrated by the speed of Israel's implementation of the Gaza plan. Special Envoy Tom Barrick disagrees with the Israeli approach to Syria. Officials around Secretary of State Marco Rubio are pushing to strengthen the Lebanese government while criticizing inaction on Jewish violence in Judea and Samaria.

Netanyahu has told Trump he wants a unity government and will work toward one after the upcoming election. Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter confirmed that Netanyahu prefers a national unity government to the current coalition. Leiter also noted that Netanyahu has made clear he would not serve as national security minister again.

The proposal faces resistance from key figures. Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot and former prime minister Naftali Bennett remain opposed to serving under Netanyahu. American officials have not yet raised the framework with them. Otzma Yehudit officials reacted sharply to the idea, 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 several advisers had reservations. 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 that the administration does not intervene in Israeli elections or dictate actions to the prime minister.

The political math remains complex. 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. If the right-wing bloc falls short of a majority, Netanyahu may not be given the first opportunity to form a cabinet.