Trump Reportedly Wants Netanyahu to Exclude Ben-Gvir From Next Government
Translated & summarized from Jüdische Allgemeine by baba
U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly expects Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to exclude far-right politician Itamar Ben-Gvir and possibly Bezalel Smotrich from his next government. Trump is closely monitoring coalition talks and may push for a national unity government to advance his foreign policy goals, including expanding the Abraham Accords. Preliminary election results have made government formation difficult for Netanyahu, as neither his bloc nor the opposition secured a majority. Trump's expectations are seen as linked to his past endorsements of Netanyahu.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Donald Trump reportedly wants Benjamin Netanyahu to exclude Itamar Ben-Gvir from the next Israeli government.
- Trump may also want Bezalel Smotrich excluded from the coalition, according to Ynet.
- The U.S. President might push for a national unity government to advance foreign policy goals.
- Preliminary election results show neither Netanyahu's bloc nor the opposition secured a majority.
- Trump previously endorsed Netanyahu and urged Israelis to vote for him.
U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly expects Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to exclude far-right politician Itamar Ben-Gvir from his next government. Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionists, might also be kept out, according to Israeli news outlet Ynet. Citing sources close to Trump, Ynet reported that the president is closely following the vote count and coalition negotiations. Trump believes Ben-Gvir's participation in a government is not an option and wants Netanyahu to ensure the Otzma Yehudit leader is not part of the next coalition. Similar reservations reportedly exist regarding Smotrich.
Trump's expectations may extend beyond mere election endorsements, as his public support for Netanyahu during the campaign is seen in Netanyahu's circle as an indication of Washington's expectations. Trump is expected to insist that the prime minister consider the interests of his most important international ally during government formation. The preliminary election results have made forming a government difficult, with neither Netanyahu's right-wing and religious bloc nor the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot securing the necessary majority. This could lead to renewed consideration of a national unity government involving political rivals.
Trump may also push for a national unity government to advance his foreign policy goals, including expanding the Abraham Accords and normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. However, this plan faces political obstacles, as several Arab states have reportedly indicated to Washington that they do not seek normalization with Israel under Netanyahu's leadership. A unity government with a different political configuration could therefore open new possibilities from Trump's perspective. The article notes that Trump views the Abraham Accords as a key part of his foreign policy legacy and aims to decisively end the conflict with Iran during his remaining term.
Whether such a government can be formed remains uncertain. Netanyahu has stated he does not intend to abandon his current political partners, potentially creating a point of contention between Jerusalem and Washington, especially concerning the potential participation of Ben-Gvir and Smotrich. Trump had repeatedly intervened in the Israeli election campaign, praising Netanyahu as a "great, tough Prime Minister" and a partner against Iran, and linking Netanyahu's political future to the approach against Tehran. He explicitly urged Israelis to vote for the Likud leader.
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