Bill Ackman calls for exclusion of Ben-Gvir and Smotrich from Israeli government

American billionaire investor Bill Ackman has stated that Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich should not serve in Israel’s next government. Writing on X, the Pershing Square Capital Management founder argued that the two far-right politicians have caused “enormous reputational damage” to Israel through their statements and actions.

Ackman suggested that forming a government without these two ministers would signal that Israel is “turning a new page.” He noted that such a move could help the country rebuild international credibility, improve relations with both Democrats and Republicans in the United States, and increase the potential for expanding the Abraham Accords.

Ben-Gvir and Smotrich are members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s religious-nationalist coalition. Both ministers have faced sanctions from countries including Britain, Canada, and Australia following accusations of inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.