61 Mandates: The Target for a New Israeli Cabinet
Trump aides are pushing for a unity government that drops two key ministers, but Israeli leaders remain split on the structure.
By Nadia Singh ·
Washington is pressing for a change in Israel's government, specifically one that removes National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from the cabinet. Advisors to President Donald Trump believe this shift is necessary to advance US diplomatic goals in the Middle East. The proposed model is a broad unity government, though some supporters suggest a rotation deal where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu serves first.
Bill Ackman, a billionaire who backed Trump in the election, publicly urged the formation of this moderate coalition on Sunday. In a social media post, Ackman argued that Ben-Gvir and Smotrich damage Israel's international standing. He stated that their presence hinders the expansion of the Abraham Accords and strains ties with both major US political parties. Ackman said he wants Netanyahu to remain prime minister but with different partners.
Several other figures in Washington share this view. They believe Trump's plans for the final two years of his term rely on a government without the two ministers. A primary goal is a historic normalization deal with Saudi Arabia. Riyadh has its own demands, including tangible progress on the Palestinian issue, making the cabinet composition a key variable in those talks.
Israeli reactions are mixed. Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar party, and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett are currently opposed to serving under Netanyahu. American officials have not yet discussed the framework with them. In a public statement, Israel's US Ambassador Yechiel Leiter said Netanyahu prefers a national unity government to the current coalition. Leiter also noted that Netanyahu has made clear he will not serve as national security minister again.
Political hurdles remain high. 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 Bennett would join such a coalition. Ultra-Orthodox parties are demanding passage of the conscription bill before talks begin. Ben-Gvir has urged Netanyahu to form a right-wing government instead, while Otzma Yehudit officials fear being sidelined in a coalition with Eisenkot.
US officials have noted existing tensions with Jerusalem. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are reportedly frustrated by the speed of Netanyahu's moves on the Gaza plan. Special Envoy Tom Barrick disagrees with Israel's approach to Syria. Meanwhile, officials around Secretary of State Marco Rubio want to strengthen the Lebanese government. Some in Trump's circle doubt a breakthrough is possible while Netanyahu is in charge, leading to the rotation idea where another leader takes over for regional diplomacy.
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 any American effort to push a unity government, stating the administration does not dictate actions to the prime minister.
