Washington Strategy: US Advisers Back Israeli Unity Cabinet Without Two Ministers

Senior advisors to President Donald Trump are coordinating efforts to reshape the Israeli government ahead of upcoming elections. The proposed framework excludes National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from a new broad unity cabinet. This move aims to align Israel's leadership with US diplomatic goals for the Middle East.

The push gained visibility on Sunday when billionaire investor Bill Ackman publicly endorsed the concept. Ackman, who heads the hedge fund Pershing Square, stated that a moderate coalition would improve Israel's global standing and strengthen relations with both US political parties. He argued that the presence of Ben-Gvir and Smotrich currently hinders diplomatic progress, particularly regarding the expansion of the Abraham Accords.

Washington officials believe that Trump’s remaining term depends on a historic normalization deal with Saudi Arabia. Current US diplomats view the existing cabinet composition as an obstacle to this agreement. Riyadh has requested tangible progress on the Palestinian issue, a demand that becomes harder to satisfy with the current Israeli leadership in place.

A rotation deal has emerged as a potential compromise to address concerns about leadership continuity. Under this proposal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would serve for the first year of the term. A different leader would then take over to negotiate directly with Saudi Arabia. Supporters argue this structure provides stability initially while assigning regional diplomacy to a figure less tied to the current coalition partners.

Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, confirmed that Netanyahu prefers a national unity government over the current coalition. Leiter stated that the Prime Minister has indicated he will not serve as National Security Minister again. However, Gadi Eisenkot of the Yashar party and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett remain opposed to serving under Netanyahu. American officials have not yet formally presented the framework to these two leaders.

Tensions already exist between Washington and Jerusalem regarding regional strategy. Special Envoy Tom Barrick disagrees with Israel’s approach to Syria, while aides to Secretary of State Marco Rubio want to strengthen the Lebanese government. Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are reportedly frustrated by the pace of Israel’s implementation of Trump’s Gaza plan. These friction points underscore the urgency for the US team to secure a compatible Israeli partner.

The political mathematics remain complex for the proposed shift. If Netanyahu’s bloc secures 61 mandates, he would likely receive the first opportunity to form a government. However, Ultra-Orthodox parties are demanding the passage of a conscription bill before coalition talks begin. If the right-wing bloc falls short of a majority, Netanyahu may not get the first chance to form a cabinet at all. Otzma Yehudit officials have reacted sharply to the idea of a coalition that includes Eisenkot, while Ben-Gvir has urged Netanyahu to form a right-wing government instead.

President Trump publicly backed Netanyahu on October 18, though Vice President JD Vance did not join the endorsement. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee denied that the administration is actively pushing for a unity government. He stated that the US does not intervene in Israeli elections or dictate actions to the Prime Minister. The initiative currently remains a strategy among Trump’s closest economic and diplomatic advisers rather than a formal White House policy.