US advisers urge Israel to drop hardliners for new government

American figures close to President Donald Trump are pushing for a new Israeli government that excludes National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. They argue that removing these two ministers would help Israel restore its international standing and facilitate diplomatic progress. The proposed framework involves a broad, moderate coalition, potentially led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initially.

The idea gained momentum on Sunday when Bill Ackman, a billionaire investor who backed Trump in the presidential election, posted on social media urging the formation of such a coalition. Ackman stated that Ben-Gvir and Smotrich damage Israel's global image. He suggested that a shift in coalition partners would help expand the Abraham Accords and improve relations with both major US political parties.

Washington officials believe that Trump's Middle East plans for the rest of his term depend on this change. A key goal is a normalization deal with Saudi Arabia, which is difficult to achieve with Ben-Gvir and Smotrich in the cabinet. Riyadh has also demanded tangible progress on the Palestinian issue, so changing the cabinet does not guarantee a final agreement.

Tensions already exist between the two governments. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are reportedly frustrated by the speed of Israel's implementation of 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 are frustrated by inaction regarding Jewish violence in Judea and Samaria.

Some in Trump's circle doubt a diplomatic breakthrough is possible while Netanyahu remains prime minister. This has led to a proposed rotation deal where Netanyahu serves for the first year, followed by another leader to negotiate with Saudi Arabia before Trump's term ends. Supporters say this provides initial continuity while handing regional diplomacy to a leader not tied to the current right-wing partners.

Israeli and American sources say Netanyahu told Trump he wants a unity government after the next election. Ambassador Yechiel Leiter confirmed that Netanyahu prefers a national unity coalition and will not serve as national security minister again. However, Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett remain opposed to serving under Netanyahu. Otzma Yehudit officials fear a coalition with Eisenkot at their expense, while 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 Vice President JD Vance did not join the endorsement. Ambassador Mike Huckabee denied any US effort to dictate the outcome, stating the administration does not intervene in Israeli elections. The political math remains difficult, as ultra-Orthodox parties demand conscription bill passage before talks, and it is unclear if Eisenkot or Bennett would join if the right-wing bloc wins a majority.