Trump Circle Pushes for Israeli Cabinet Excluding Ben-Gvir and Smotrich

Aides close to President Donald Trump are advocating for a new Israeli government that excludes National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The proposed structure is a broad, moderate unity coalition designed to align with American diplomatic goals in the region. Some advisers have specifically floated a rotation deal where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu serves for a set period before handing over leadership.

Bill Ackman, the billionaire hedge fund manager who backed Trump in the presidential election, publicly urged this change on social media on Sunday. Ackman argued that Ben-Gvir and Smotrich damage Israel's international standing. He stated that a moderate coalition would help expand the Abraham Accords and improve relations with both major US political parties. Ackman said he wants Netanyahu to remain prime minister but with a different set of coalition partners.

Other figures in Washington believe Trump’s remaining two-year term depends on this shift. Chief among those plans is a potential normalization deal with Saudi Arabia. Diplomats say that deal is difficult to advance with Ben-Gvir and Smotrich in the cabinet. Riyadh has its own demands, including tangible progress on the Palestinian issue, so replacing coalition partners does not guarantee an agreement.

Tension already exists between Washington and Jerusalem. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are reportedly frustrated by the speed of Netanyahu’s movement 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 and have expressed frustration over inaction regarding Jewish violence in Judea and Samaria.

The rotation idea suggests Netanyahu would serve for the first year, then another prime minister would take over to negotiate with Saudi Arabia before Trump’s term ends. Supporters argue this provides continuity initially and then hands regional diplomacy to a leader not tied to Netanyahu’s current partners. Some in Trump’s circle doubt a diplomatic breakthrough is possible while Netanyahu is prime minister.

Israeli and American sources say Netanyahu told Trump he wants a unity government and will work toward one after the election. Israel’s Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, said publicly that Netanyahu prefers a national unity government to the current coalition. Leiter added that Netanyahu has made clear he would not serve as national security minister again.

Otzma Yehudit officials reacted sharply to the reports, fearing a coalition that includes 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. 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 the endorsement. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee denied any American effort to push a unity government. Huckabee said the administration does not intervene in Israeli elections or dictate actions to the prime minister.

The political math is difficult. If Netanyahu’s bloc wins 61 mandates, he would likely get the first chance to form a government. 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 at all.