Trump Circle Pushes for Israeli Cabinet Shift to Ease Path for Saudi Deal

American officials close to President Donald Trump are promoting a reshuffled Israeli government that would remove National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from the cabinet. The push aims to create a moderate coalition that can better advance US diplomatic goals in the Middle East, specifically a normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia. Proponents argue the current lineup damages Israel's international standing and complicates negotiations with Riyadh.

The idea traces back to public commentary by billionaire Bill Ackman, who leads the hedge fund Pershing Square. Ackman, a Trump supporter, posted on social media on Sunday urging the formation of a broad, moderate coalition. He stated that Ben-Gvir and Smotrich hinder Israel's ability to expand the Abraham Accords and maintain ties with both US political parties. Ackman praised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his relationship with Trump, suggesting Netanyahu should remain in power with different partners.

Washington sources indicate that other figures in the administration share this view. They believe Trump's Middle East strategy for the final two years of his term depends on a change in Israel's government composition. The primary objective is a historic normalization deal with Saudi Arabia, which appears difficult to secure while Ben-Gvir and Smotrich hold cabinet positions. Riyadh has its own demands, including progress on the Palestinian issue, meaning a cabinet change alone does not guarantee an agreement.

Tensions between Washington and Jerusalem have grown over the past year. Special Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are reportedly frustrated by the speed at which Netanyahu is implementing Trump's Gaza plan. 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. They also express frustration over inaction regarding Jewish violence in Judea and Samaria.

Some in Trump's inner circle doubt a diplomatic breakthrough is possible with Netanyahu leading the government. This has led to a proposal for a rotation deal. Under this arrangement, Netanyahu would serve as prime minister for the first year. A different leader would then take over to negotiate with Saudi Arabia before the end of Trump's term. Supporters say this structure provides initial continuity while handing regional diplomacy to a leader not tied to Netanyahu's current coalition partners.

Netanyahu has signaled openness to this structure. Israeli and American sources say he told Trump he wants a unity government and will work toward one after the upcoming election. Israel's Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, stated publicly that Netanyahu prefers a national unity government to his current coalition. Leiter added that Netanyahu has clarified he would not serve as national security minister again. Ben-Gvir urged Netanyahu to form a right-wing government instead, while Otzma Yehudit officials reacted sharply to the prospect of a coalition with Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot.

Trump has not formally endorsed the 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 unity government. He stated that the administration does not intervene in Israeli elections or dictate actions to the prime minister.

The political math remains complicated. If Netanyahu's bloc wins 61 mandates, he would likely get the first chance to form a government. However, it is doubtful that Eisenkot or former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett would join, as both remain opposed to serving under Netanyahu. 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.