Billionaire Trump backer says Ben-Gvir, Smotrich should not serve in next Israeli government
Billionaire investor Bill Ackman publicly stated that far-right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich should not serve in the next government. He argued their actions have caused significant reputational damage to Israel.
Why it matters
The intervention of a prominent American donor highlights the intense scrutiny and polarization surrounding Israel's upcoming general election.
Election banners in Sderot — Amir Cohen By Steven Scheer and Alexander Cornwell
JERUSALEM, Oct 25 (Reuters) - Billionaire American investor Bill Ackman on Sunday said that Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich should not serve in Israel's next government, saying the two far-right politicians had caused enormous damage to the country's reputation.
The public intervention by the prominent hedge fund manager, who is Jewish, comes just two days before Israel's general election, in which polls show a tight race between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition and the opposition.
Ackman wrote on X that from the perspective of someone who had an understanding of how Israel was perceived in the United States, "Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have caused Israel enormous reputational damage with their statements and actions."
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