Jewish-American billionaire Bill Ackman, one of Israel’s most prominent supporters in the United States, weighed in on Israel’s upcoming Knesset elections Sunday, urging that the next government be formed without National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

In a post on X, Ackman argued that the two ministers have caused significant damage to Israel’s international reputation through their statements and actions, and that excluding them from the next coalition would help Israel repair its standing in the United States and abroad.

Ackman said the international media frequently portrays Ben Gvir and Smotrich as representing the views and wishes of the entire Israeli population, creating what he described as a damaging impression of the Jewish state.

Ackman stressed that he was not endorsing any particular candidate for prime minister, emphasizing that the decision of who should lead Israel belongs exclusively to Israeli voters.

Instead, the billionaire investor said he wanted to offer the perspective of an American who understands how Israel is currently perceived in the United States.

Ackman argued that forming a government without Ben Gvir and Smotrich would send an important message to the international community that Israel is turning a new page.

Such a move, he suggested, could help restore Israel’s credibility, improve its relationships with both Democrats and Republicans, and strengthen support among the broader American public.

He also maintained that excluding the two ministers could improve Israel’s prospects for expanding the Abraham Accords and establishing diplomatic relations with additional Arab and Muslim-majority countries.

Ackman, the founder and CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, has been an outspoken defender of Israel since the October 7 Hamas massacre, frequently speaking out against antisemitism and anti-Israel activism on American college campuses.

In January 2024, Ackman and his wife acquired approximately 5% of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, a significant investment that was widely viewed as a demonstration of confidence in Israel’s economy during the war.

His latest comments come just two days before Tuesday’s Knesset elections, as political parties compete for enough seats to form Israel’s next governing coalition.

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