Ackman Urges Israeli Cabinet Shift to Drop Ben-Gvir and Smotrich

Bill Ackman, the billionaire investor who supported Donald Trump in the recent presidential election, called on Sunday for Israel to form a broad and moderate unity government that excludes National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Ackman, who leads the hedge fund Pershing Square, argued in a social media post that such a coalition would help Israel restore its international standing and expand the Abraham Accords.

Ackman stated that the presence of Ben-Gvir and Smotrich damages Israel's global image and hinders its ability to pursue key diplomatic goals. He expressed support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remaining in office but suggested a change in coalition partners to improve relations with both major US political parties.

Washington figures close to the US president share this view. They believe Trump's Middle East strategy for the final two years of his term depends on altering Israel's cabinet composition. The central objective is a historic normalization deal with Saudi Arabia, which sources say is difficult to advance with Ben-Gvir and Smotrich holding key portfolios. Riyadh has its own demands, including tangible progress on the Palestinian issue, so replacing ministers does not guarantee an agreement.

The proposal involves a rotation deal where Netanyahu would serve as prime minister for the first year. Another leader would then take over to negotiate with Saudi Arabia before Trump's term ends. Supporters of this plan argue it provides initial continuity while eventually handing regional diplomacy to a leader not tied to Netanyahu's current right-wing partners.

Tensions between Washington and Jerusalem already exist over several issues. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are reportedly frustrated by the speed of Netanyahu's implementation of the Gaza plan. Special Envoy Tom Barrick disagrees with Israel's approach to Syria, while officials around Secretary of State Marco Rubio want to strengthen the Lebanese government. These officials also voice frustration over inaction regarding Jewish violence in Judea and Samaria.

Israeli leaders have reacted to the growing pressure. 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. Israel's Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, stated publicly 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.

Otzma Yehudit officials reacted sharply to the discussions, fearing a coalition that includes Eisenkot at their expense. Ben-Gvir urged Netanyahu to form a right-wing government instead. Trump has not formally endorsed the unity initiative. He publicly backed Netanyahu on October 18, though Vice President JD Vance did not join that 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 math in Israel remains complex. If Netanyahu's bloc wins 61 mandates, he would likely receive the first chance to form a government. However, it is doubtful that Eisenkot or Bennett would join his coalition. 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 to form a government at all. Few within the right-wing bloc expect Eisenkot or Bennett to agree to a partnership they have previously pledged to avoid.