Washington Strategy: Trump Advisers Seek Israeli Cabinet Shift

Prominent figures in the administration of US President Donald Trump are advocating for a restructured Israeli government that would remove National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from the cabinet. Bill Ackman, a billionaire investor who backed Trump in the presidential election, publicly called for this shift on Sunday. Ackman, who leads the hedge fund Pershing Square, argued that excluding these two ministers would improve Israel's international standing and help expand the Abraham Accords.

According to several sources, the push extends beyond Ackman. Washington officials believe that Trump's Middle East agenda, particularly a potential normalization deal with Saudi Arabia, depends on a more moderate coalition. Riyadh has demanded tangible progress on the Palestinian issue, a goal complicated by the current cabinet composition. Some advisers have even proposed a rotation deal where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu serves for the first year of a new government before handing power to another leader to negotiate with the Saudis before Trump's term ends.

Despite these efforts, key Israeli political figures remain hesitant. Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett have stated they oppose serving under Netanyahu. American officials have not yet presented the rotation framework to them. Meanwhile, Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter confirmed that Netanyahu prefers a national unity government to his current coalition. Leiter noted that Netanyahu has indicated he would not return to the role of National Security Minister.

Internal friction exists between Washington and Jerusalem regarding the pace and direction of diplomatic efforts. Special Envoy Tom Barrick disagrees with Israel's approach to Syria, while officials around Secretary of State Marco Rubio are pushing to strengthen the Lebanese government. Additionally, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are reportedly frustrated by the speed at which Netanyahu is implementing Trump's Gaza plan. These tensions have led some in Trump's circle to doubt a breakthrough is possible while Netanyahu remains prime minister with his current partners.

Trump has not formally endorsed the unity government 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 that the US is pushing for a specific cabinet structure, stating the administration does not intervene in Israeli elections. However, political hurdles remain. If Netanyahu's bloc wins 61 mandates, he may get the first chance to form a government, but ultra-Orthodox parties are demanding the passage of the conscription bill first.

Otzma Yehudit officials reacted sharply to the proposal, fearing a coalition that includes Eisenkot at their expense. Ben-Gvir urged Netanyahu to form a right-wing government instead. The path to a new government remains uncertain, with Bennett and Eisenkot pledging to avoid a partnership with Netanyahu unless specific conditions are met. The election outcome will determine whether a 61-seat majority is achievable for the current right-wing bloc or if a broader coalition becomes necessary.