61 Seats: The Key to Trump Circle’s Push for Israeli Cabinet Shift

The number 61 is central to a diplomatic strategy currently circulating in Washington. A majority of 61 seats in the Israeli Knesset would give Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the first opportunity to form a new government. However, a group of advisers to President Donald Trump argues that this specific outcome is necessary to facilitate a broader unity coalition. This proposed structure would exclude National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from the cabinet.

Bill Ackman, the billionaire investor and chair of the Yashar party, publicly endorsed this framework on Sunday. In a social media post, Ackman stated that a moderate coalition is essential for Israel to restore its international standing. He argued that the current cabinet members damage Israel's global image. Ackman also emphasized that this shift would help expand the Abraham Accords and improve relations with both major US political parties.

American officials believe that Trump’s remaining two years in office hinge on a change in Israel’s leadership composition. The primary goal is a historic normalization deal with Saudi Arabia. According to sources in Washington, it would be difficult to advance such an agreement with Ben-Gvir and Smotrich holding their current portfolios. Riyadh has its own demands, including tangible progress on the Palestinian issue, so a cabinet swap alone does not guarantee a final deal.

The rotation idea proposes a specific timeline for this transition. Under this plan, Netanyahu would serve as prime minister for the first year. A different leader would then take over to negotiate with Saudi Arabia before Trump’s term concludes. Supporters of this model say it provides continuity in the short term while handing regional diplomacy to a leader not tied to the current right-wing partners.

Despite the push from Washington, major Israeli figures remain opposed. Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar party, and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett have stated they do not want to serve under Netanyahu. American officials have not yet formally raised this framework with them. Several Israeli and American sources report that Netanyahu told Trump he wants a unity government and intends to work toward one after the election.

Yechiel Leiter, the Israeli Ambassador to the US, confirmed that Netanyahu prefers a national unity government over the current coalition. Leiter also noted that Netanyahu has made clear he will not serve as national security minister again. In response, officials from the Otzma Yehudit party reacted sharply, fearing a coalition that includes Eisenkot at their expense. Ben-Gvir urged Netanyahu to form a right-wing government instead.

Friction already exists between the White House and the Israeli government. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are reportedly frustrated by the speed at which Netanyahu is moving on Trump’s Gaza plan. Special Envoy Tom Barrick disagrees with Israel’s approach to Syria. Additionally, officials around Secretary of State Marco Rubio want to strengthen the Lebanese government while expressing frustration over inaction regarding Jewish violence in Judea and Samaria.

Trump has not formally endorsed the unity initiative. He publicly backed Netanyahu on October 18, though several advisers had reservations. Vice President JD Vance did not join that endorsement. Mike Huckabee, the US Ambassador to Israel, denied any American effort to push for a unity government. He stated that the administration does not intervene in Israeli elections or dictate actions to the prime minister.

The political hurdles remain steep. If Netanyahu’s bloc wins 61 mandates, it is doubtful that Eisenkot or Bennett will join his cabinet. Ultra-Orthodox parties are demanding the passage of the conscription bill before coalition talks begin. If the right-wing bloc falls short of a majority, Netanyahu may not be given the first opportunity to form a government at all.

Within the right-wing bloc, few expect Eisenkot or Bennett to agree to a partnership they have pledged to avoid. The rotation deal offers a potential compromise, but it requires a specific electoral outcome and a willingness to share power that both Eisenkot and Bennett have previously resisted. The next few days will determine if the 61-seat threshold becomes a practical pathway for the proposed cabinet shift.