Trump Circle Pushes for Israeli Unity Deal Excluding Right-Wing Ministers

American officials in President Donald Trump's inner circle are urging the formation of a moderate Israeli unity government that excludes National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Some advisers propose a rotation agreement in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu serves for the first year, followed by a successor to lead diplomatic negotiations before Trump's term ends.

The push gained public visibility on Sunday when billionaire Bill Ackman, a key Trump supporter and head of Pershing Square, posted on social media that such a government would restore Israel's international standing. Ackman argued that removing Ben-Gvir and Smotrich would help expand the Abraham Accords and improve relations with both US political parties. He criticized the two ministers for harming Israel's global image while praising Netanyahu and his relationship with the President.

Washington officials believe that achieving Trump's Middle East ambitions, particularly a normalization deal with Saudi Arabia, requires changing the composition of the Israeli government. Several senior advisors contend that a cabinet without Netanyahu's far-right partners would make it easier to advance regional policy. This view exists amid current friction between the two capitals, including dissatisfaction with the pace of the Gaza plan and disagreements over strategy in Syria.

The proposal faces immediate resistance within Israel. Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett remain opposed to serving under Netanyahu. American officials have not yet discussed the framework with them. Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter confirmed that Netanyahu prefers a national unity government over his current coalition and stated that the Prime Minister does not intend to serve as national security minister again.

Trump has not formally endorsed the initiative. On October 18, he publicly backed Netanyahu, though Vice President JD Vance did not join that endorsement. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee denied that the administration is dictating Israeli actions, stating that Washington does not intervene in local elections. The President's team remains divided on whether a breakthrough is possible with Netanyahu remaining in power long term.

Electoral scenarios present obstacles for the proposed change. If Netanyahu's bloc secures 61 mandates, he is expected to form a government, but it remains doubtful whether Eisenkot or Bennett would agree to join. Ultra-Orthodox parties demand the passage of the conscription bill as a precondition for talks. If the right-wing bloc fails to secure a majority, Netanyahu may not receive the first chance to form a government. Reaching out to opposition leaders would require offering them a partnership in a government they have pledged not to join.

The proposal originated within the President's team but has not been formally adopted by the White House. American officials have not conducted a detailed feasibility check with leaders of the opposition bloc. No substantive talks have taken place with Eisenkot or other senior figures regarding the proposed framework. The next steps depend on the outcome of the upcoming Israeli elections and the subsequent coalition negotiations.