Washington Seeks Israeli Cabinet Shift

US allies of President Donald Trump are promoting a new Israeli unity government that would leave out two senior ministers. The proposal aims to create a broader, more moderate cabinet to support American diplomatic goals in the Middle East.

The framework centers on a government that excludes National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Some supporters have also discussed a rotation deal where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would serve first. This structure is designed to ease the path for a historic normalization deal with Saudi Arabia.

Bill Ackman, the billionaire who leads Pershing Square, publicly backed the idea on Sunday. Ackman supported Trump in the recent presidential election and is viewed as an influential figure in US politics. In a social media post, he argued that a moderate coalition would help Israel restore its standing and expand the Abraham Accords.

Ackman stated that the presence of Ben-Gvir and Smotrich harms Israel’s global image. He praised the relationship between Trump and Netanyahu. He wants the prime minister to remain in office but with different coalition partners.

Other Washington figures share this view. They believe Trump’s plans for the remainder of his term depend on a change in Israel’s leadership. A key goal is a deal with Riyadh, which is difficult to advance with the current ministers in power. Saudi Arabia also demands progress on the Palestinian issue, meaning a cabinet swap alone does not guarantee an agreement.

Tensions exist between Washington and Jerusalem over several issues. Special Envoy Tom Barrick disagrees with Israel’s approach to Syria. Officials near Secretary of State Marco Rubio want to strengthen the Lebanese government. They also express frustration over inaction regarding Jewish violence in Judea and Samaria.

Netanyahu has told Trump he wants a unity government after the upcoming election. Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter said publicly that the prime minister prefers this arrangement. Netanyahu has also indicated he will not serve as national security minister again. Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett remain opposed to serving under Netanyahu.

The political math is complex. If Netanyahu’s bloc wins 61 mandates, he would likely get the first chance to form a government. However, ultra-Orthodox parties are demanding passage of the conscription bill before talks begin. Trump has not formally endorsed the initiative, though he backed Netanyahu on October 18. Ambassador Mike Huckabee denied that the US is pushing for a specific cabinet.