Ackman Urges Netanyahu to Exclude Smotrich and Ben-Gvir From Next Coalition

Bill Ackman urged Benjamin Netanyahu to leave Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir out of a future coalition if he returns as prime minister, in an interview published on October 25. The Pershing Square founder advocated a moderate centrist government after the election. He argued that the two ministers’ statements damage Israel’s standing abroad because international audiences regard their words as representing the government and the country. Ackman praised Netanyahu’s leadership after October 7 while criticizing his choice of coalition partners. The interview took place during a visit to Israel the previous week.