Trump Wants Israeli Govt Without Far-Right Ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich
Donald Trump reportedly wants an Israeli coalition excluding far-right ministers to avoid settler violence and secure his regional strategy.
In a move that could significantly shape the future of Middle Eastern diplomacy, US President Donald Trump is reportedly hoping for an Israeli governing coalition that excludes far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. According to a report by the Jerusalem Post, citing news outlet Walla, American sources suggest that Trump views settler violence as a major hurdle to the implementation of his broader regional strategy.
The Strategic Divide
While Trump has maintained a close relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his preference for a more moderate coalition highlights a specific concern regarding the far-right elements of the Israeli political spectrum. The concern stems from the belief that the presence of Ben-Gvir and Smotrich in the cabinet could destabilize regional goals and fuel tensions through settler activities.
Despite these internal preferences, Trump has not yet issued any official public comments regarding the final outcome of the Israeli elections, although his advisers have been kept informed of the initial exit poll results.
Trump Claims Credit for Netanyahu's Surge
Even as he eyes a coalition without the far-right, Trump has been vocal about his support for Benjamin Netanyahu. Taking to Truth Social, the US President quoted Irving C. Schwartz, who claimed that Trump's endorsement shifted the momentum of the election in favor of the Likud Party boss.
“When President Trump endorsed Bibi Netanyahu, the whole tide turned, and now, rather than a decisive defeat for a Great Prime Minister, it looks like a big come-from-behind stalemate, or even a WIN for Netanyahu,” the post read.
This sentiment was echoed by Trump himself during a press interaction following a rally in Texas. He told reporters that he believed his endorsement had provided a significant boost to Netanyahu, noting that exit polls showed the Prime Minister was doing very well.
A Tight Race for the Knesset
The battle for the Knesset remains incredibly tight, with various polls showing fluctuating numbers that make the formation of a government uncertain.
- Direct Polls: Projected 55 seats for the Netanyahu bloc, 49 for the opposition led by Gadi Eisenkot, and 16 for Arab parties.
- Kan 11: The state-owned channel's updated exit poll suggests a dead heat, with both the pro-Netanyahu and anti-Netanyahu blocs holding 51 seats each.
- Channel 14 (Filber): Projected a stronger lead for the Netanyahu bloc with 60 seats, compared to 43 for the opposition and 17 for Arab parties.
Shifting Seat Dynamics
Recent adjustments in the numbers show the Likud party rising to 27 seats from 25. Meanwhile, the left-wing alliance, The Democrats, has dipped to nine seats, and the far-right Otzma Yehudit party has moved from seven down to six seats.
The Kingmaker Scenario
With no clear majority emerging to reach the 61-seat threshold required to form a government, Mansour Abbas, chairman of the Ra’am party, has emerged as a pivotal figure. Abbas confirmed he is in communication with both the pro- and anti-Netanyahu factions.
He noted that currently, "there aren't numbers for a government," highlighting that his party's projected seven seats leave the broader opposition bloc two seats short of the necessary majority.