Trump Associates Float Israeli Unity Government Idea

Sources close to former U.S. President Donald Trump are reportedly discussing potential frameworks for an Israeli unity government that would exclude ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. One proposal suggests a rotation where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would serve for only one year. These ideas reportedly stem from a desire among some in Trump's circle to facilitate major policy initiatives, particularly a normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia, before Trump's term ends. They believe Ben-Gvir and Smotrich's opposition to Palestinian-related issues could hinder such progress.

Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, considered influential in U.S. business and political circles, has publicly criticized Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, stating they harm Israel's image and diplomatic goals. Ackman expressed support for Netanyahu's continued premiership but advocated for a different coalition composition. Other advisors to Trump reportedly share this view, believing a broader Israeli government, not reliant on its current right-wing partners, would better advance Trump's regional agenda. Frustrations have also been noted regarding the pace of progress on Trump's Gaza plan, disagreements over Syria policy, and a perceived lack of sufficient action on Jewish violence in the West Bank.

Some within Trump's orbit are reportedly skeptical that significant diplomatic breakthroughs are possible while Netanyahu himself remains prime minister. This has led to discussions about a unity government with a rotational premiership. Under this scenario, Netanyahu would serve the first year, followed by another prime minister tasked with advancing diplomatic negotiations with Saudi Arabia before Trump's term concludes. Supporters believe this would ensure governmental continuity while later entrusting diplomatic efforts to a leader less dependent on Netanyahu's current coalition partners.

While Netanyahu has reportedly told Trump he is interested in forming a unity government after the elections, it is unclear if he has agreed to the rotation proposal or if any formal negotiations are underway. The "Otzma Yehudit" party reacted strongly, fearing Netanyahu might be preparing a coalition with Gadi Eisenkot at the expense of his current allies. Ben-Gvir himself urged Netanyahu to form a right-wing government instead of one with Eisenkot.

Despite these internal discussions, Trump has not officially endorsed the unity government or rotation concept. He publicly supported Netanyahu on October 18th, though some advisors reportedly distanced themselves from this endorsement, and Vice President J.D. Vance did not join in. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee explicitly denied that the U.S. government is pushing for a unity government, stating that the U.S. does not interfere in Israeli elections.

Significant gaps remain between the ideas discussed in Washington and the political realities in Israel. No in-depth feasibility checks have been conducted with leaders of the "Change bloc," and no substantive talks have occurred with Eisenkot or other senior figures about the rotation plan. Election polls also indicate difficulty in forming a government based on a single bloc, with neither Netanyahu's bloc nor the opposing bloc securing a majority of 61 seats in any of the five surveys. If Netanyahu secures a majority, it's uncertain if Eisenkot or Bennett would join, given their commitments. If he doesn't, the president's decision on whom to task with forming a government will depend on consultations and prospects. Furthermore, ultra-Orthodox parties are demanding the approval of the conscription law as a condition for coalition talks, which could complicate forming a broad government with parties holding differing views on the issue.