Billionaire investor Bill Ackman visited Israel in late October 2026 to cast his ballot in the national elections and address the ARC Summit hosted by Sheba Medical Center, using the platform to urge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to form a moderate centrist government while warning that right-wing ministers are damaging the nation’s global reputation, Globes reported.
Ackman urges Netanyahu to exclude far-right ministers
Ackman praised Netanyahu’s leadership since the October 7, 2023, attacks but singled out Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for severe criticism. In an interview with Ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth’s Mammon financial supplement, Ackman stated that the two far-right ministers are inflicting serious damage on Israel’s standing abroad. He subsequently released a statement on X declaring that a new government should exclude them entirely. According to The Jerusalem Post, Ackman argued that forming a coalition without Smotrich and Ben-Gvir would signal a fresh start to the international community, rebuild lost credibility, and strengthen the potential for expanding the Abraham Accords.
The hedge fund manager also voiced deep concern regarding political extremism in the United States. He warned that the rising influence of the Democratic Socialists poses a direct threat to the American economy, the Jewish community, and Israel.
Despite political friction, Ackman maintained an exceptionally bullish outlook on the Israeli economy, predicting during the ARC Summit conversation with Sheba Medical Center CEO Prof. Yitshak Kreiss that a trillion-dollar company will emerge in Israel within the next five to ten years. CTech reported that Ackman attributes this potential to the artificial intelligence revolution, which removes human-capital bottlenecks and favors nations with dense, highly talented populations forged by military service.
Ackman’s financial commitments to the country match his rhetoric. In January 2024, he and his wife, Neri Oxman, acquired a 5% stake in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. During his 2026 visit, he confirmed his total investments in Israel have approached $100 million. Beyond the stock exchange, his Israeli portfolio includes stakes in venture capital firm Entrée Capital, mitochondrial transplantation developer Cellergy, and Two Delta—a stealth-mode artificial intelligence company founded by Dvir Zetzer and Dr. Eli David that has raised tens of millions of dollars while employing fewer than ten people.
Why Bill Ackman visited Israel and his political demands
Why did Bill Ackman travel to Israel in October 2026?
Ackman traveled to Israel for two primary reasons: to allow his Israeli wife, Neri Oxman, to vote in the national elections, and to attend the ARC Summit hosted by Sheba Medical Center.
Which Israeli ministers did Bill Ackman call to exclude from government?
Ackman publicly urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to exclude Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from any future coalition, arguing their statements cause severe reputational damage abroad.
What specific Israeli startups has Ackman invested in?
Alongside a 5% stake in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and investments in venture capital firm Entrée Capital, Ackman has backed Cellergy, a mitochondrial transplantation developer, and Two Delta, an artificial intelligence enhancement company founded by Dvir Zetzer and Dr. Eli David.
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