Trump Seeks Broad Israeli Unity Government for Strategic Goals

Former President Donald Trump is reportedly advocating for a broad unity government in Israel, similar to his approach in 2020 when he met with then-Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival Benny Gantz shortly before unveiling his "Deal of the Century" peace plan. Trump desires a government with wide Israeli political support to advance foreign policy and diplomatic initiatives.

While Trump has not publicly invited Gantz's successor, Gadi Eisenkot, to the White House, senior U.S. officials have signaled a preference for a broad Israeli government post-election. U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee met with Eisenkot, a meeting later downplayed by the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. Billionaire investor Bill Ackman, a Trump supporter, has also publicly called for an Israeli unity government, reportedly joining others in Trump's circle pushing for this outcome.

Such a government, excluding far-right figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, would facilitate progress on issues like the Gaza plan, Syria strategy, and settler violence in the West Bank, which have reportedly faced delays due to the hardline stances of right-wing parties. These parties have also clashed with Trump's administration on issues such as West Bank annexation and the Gaza deal.

Trump's ultimate goal includes normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia, a move contingent on progress toward a Palestinian state. Smotrich's opposition to a Palestinian state has previously angered Riyadh and Washington, embarrassing Netanyahu. Trump believes a unity government could navigate these complex issues with broader public backing and less political opposition.

Netanyahu himself has expressed a desire for a "broad national government" post-election, emphasizing national consensus. His ambassador to Washington, Yechiel Leiter, stated Netanyahu prefers a national unity government and that Ben-Gvir would not serve a second term as National Security Minister. Public opinion in Israel also appears to favor a broad unity government, with recent polls showing 50% support compared to 23% for a hardline right-wing coalition.

For Netanyahu, a unity government could also help repair Israel's international image, tarnished by recent conflicts. Trump's support stems from his familiarity with Netanyahu and a belief that he can work with him to achieve strategic objectives for a more stable Middle East before Trump leaves office in January 2029. A failure to form such a government could lead to new elections, leaving Netanyahu with a transitional government lacking a strong mandate.