Israeli Cabinet: Trump Allies Seek Coalition Shift

US President Donald Trump’s inner circle is actively promoting a structural change in Israel’s government to secure a historic normalization deal with Saudi Arabia. The proposed framework calls for a broad, moderate unity cabinet that excludes National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. This shift aims to align Jerusalem’s leadership with Washington’s remaining diplomatic objectives before the end of Trump’s term.

Bill Ackman, the billionaire hedge fund manager who backed Trump’s presidential campaign, publicly urged the creation of such a government on Sunday. Ackman argued on social media that a moderate coalition would restore Israel’s international standing and expand the Abraham Accords. He stated that the presence of Ben-Gvir and Smotrich damages Israel’s global image and hinders key diplomatic goals. Ackman wants Netanyahu to remain in office but with different coalition partners.

Several sources indicate that other Washington figures share this view. They believe that a change in Israel’s cabinet makeup is necessary to advance the Saudi deal. Riyadh has its own demands, including tangible progress on the Palestinian issue, which complicates the path to agreement. Tension already exists between the two capitals. 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. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are reportedly frustrated by the speed at which Netanyahu is moving on Trump’s Gaza plan.

Netanyahu has signaled openness to the idea. According to several Israeli and American sources, he told Trump he wants a unity government and will work toward one after the election. Israel’s Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, confirmed 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. However, Trump has not formally endorsed the initiative, having publicly backed Netanyahu on October 18. Vice President JD Vance did not join that endorsement, and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee denied that the administration is intervening in Israeli elections.

The political obstacles remain substantial. Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot and former prime minister Naftali Bennett are currently opposed to serving under Netanyahu. American officials have not yet raised the framework with them. If Netanyahu’s bloc wins 61 mandates, he would likely get the first chance to form a government, but it is doubtful that Eisenkot or Bennett would join. Ultra-Orthodox parties are demanding 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. Some in Trump’s circle have floated a rotation deal where Netanyahu serves for the first year, then another leader takes over to negotiate with the Saudis.

Otzma Yehudit officials reacted sharply to the developing situation. They fear a coalition with Eisenkot at their expense. Ben-Gvir urged Netanyahu to form a right-wing government instead. The coming weeks will test whether these diplomatic pressures translate into electoral strategy or remain a back-channel preference among US advisers.