Key facts
- Billionaire investor Bill Ackman stated that Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich should not be part of Israel's next government.
- Ackman cited reputational damage to Israel due to statements and actions by Ben-Gvir and Smotrich.
- Ackman suggested that excluding them would help Israel rebuild credibility and improve relations with the US.
- Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have faced sanctions from countries including Britain, Canada, and Australia.
- Ben-Gvir's party is projected to win around 10 seats, and Smotrich's party 8 seats in the upcoming election.
American investor Bill Ackman stated on Sunday that Israeli politicians Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich should not be part of the country's next government, arguing their statements and actions have caused significant reputational damage. Ackman, founder of Pershing Square Capital Management, made the comments via X, just two days before Israel's general election. He suggested that excluding the two far-right ministers would signal a new direction for Israel, aiding in rebuilding credibility and improving its international relationships. Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, as ministers in the current coalition, have faced international criticism and sanctions over policies affecting Palestinians and Israel's minority Arab population. Projections indicate Ben-Gvir's party may win around 10 seats and Smotrich's party 8 seats in the upcoming vote.